Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 26, 2010
Commission File Number 000-49602
SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   77-0118518
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
3120 Scott Blvd.    
Santa Clara, California   95054
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(408) 454-5100
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
     
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
  The Nasdaq Global Select Market
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant (28,166,392 shares), based on the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 24, 2009 of $29.62, was $834,288,531. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors, and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such officers, directors, or 10% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
As of August 6, 2010, there were outstanding 34,465,254 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.001 per share.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 
 

 

 


 

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FISCAL 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
PART I
 
       
    1  
 
       
    16  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
    32  
 
       
PART II
 
       
    33  
 
       
    35  
 
       
    36  
 
       
    49  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    51  
 
       
PART III
 
       
    52  
 
       
    52  
 
       
    52  
 
       
    52  
 
       
    52  
 
       
PART IV
 
       
    53  
 
       
    55  
 
       
    F-1  
 
       
 Exhibit 21
 Exhibit 23.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our “expectations,” “anticipation,” “intentions,” “beliefs,” or “strategies” regarding the future, whether or not those words are used. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding revenue, margins, expenses, and earnings analysis for fiscal 2011 and thereafter; our positioning in our target markets; our ability to continue to enhance our market position and increase our business through introducing market leading interface solutions; the strength of our intellectual property portfolio, engineering know-how, and technological expertise; the success of our product development strategies; the attractiveness of our product solutions, including their performance, cost, customer satisfaction, market position, and potential; continued success of our virtual manufacturing platform; the strength of our customer relationships; the amounts of revenue generated as a result of sales to significant customers; our competitive position and competitive factors; potential acquisitions or strategic alliances; the success of particular product or marketing programs; and liquidity and anticipated cash needs and availability. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the filing date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

 


Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1.  
BUSINESS
Overview
We are a leading worldwide developer and supplier of custom-designed human interface solutions that enable people to interact more easily and intuitively with a wide variety of mobile computing, communications, entertainment, and other electronic devices. We currently target the personal computer, or PC, market and the market for digital lifestyle products, including mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music and video players, and other select electronic device markets with our customized human interface solutions.
We are a market leader in providing human interface solutions to our target markets. Our original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, customers include most of the tier one PC OEMs and many of the world’s largest OEMs for mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music players. We generally supply custom designed human interface solutions to our OEM customers through their contract manufacturers, which take delivery of our products and pay us directly for them. Through our OneTouch™ offering, we offer not only our custom module solutions but also enable our customers to access our technologies to develop their own human interface designs for capacitive button and scrolling applications for products such as mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music and video players, and notebook peripherals.
Our website is www.synaptics.com. Through our website, we make available free of charge all of our Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, filings, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our proxy statements, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and our current reports on Form 8-K as well as Form 3, Form 4, and Form 5 Reports for our directors, officers, and principal stockholders, together with amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a), 15(d), or 16 under the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These reports are available immediately after their electronic filing with the SEC. Our website also includes corporate governance information, including our Code of Conduct, our Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, and our Board Committee Charters.
Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in June. The fiscal years presented in this report were 52-week periods ended June 28, 2008, June 27, 2009, and June 26, 2010.
PC Market
We provide custom human interface solutions for navigation, cursor control, and multimedia controls for many of the world’s premier PC OEMs. In addition to notebooks, other PC applications for our technology include peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and monitors, as well as desktop and PC remote control applications. Our solutions for the PC market include the TouchPad™, a touch-sensitive pad that senses the position and movement of a person’s finger on its surface; the ClickPad™, a TouchPad application, which eliminates the need for physical buttons; the TouchStyk™, a self contained, easily integrated pointing stick module; and dual pointing solutions, which combine both a TouchPad and a pointing stick into a single notebook computer, enabling users to use the interface of their choice.
The latest industry projections for notebook unit growth for the period 2010 through 2014 show a compound annual growth rate of 18% compared with a decline of 4% for desktop computers, reflecting the continued migration of desktops to notebooks fueled by users’ desire for mobile computing and on-the-go access to applications, information, and digital content, which is expanding on a daily basis. Based on the strength of our technology and engineering know-how, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunity in the notebook market and to provide innovative, value-added human interface solutions for each of the key end-user preferences, which will be enhanced by the adoption of multifunction touch pads, including additional functionality, such as multi-touch gesture recognition. We believe we are well positioned within the notebook market as our product lines of touch pads and pointing sticks allow us to address 100% of the notebook market.

 

1


Table of Contents

Digital Lifestyle Product Markets
We believe our intellectual property portfolio, engineering know-how, technological expertise, experience in providing human interface solutions to major OEMs of electronic devices, and proven track record of growth in our expanding core notebook computer interface business position us to be a key technological enabler for multiple consumer electronic devices targeted to meet the growing digital lifestyle trend. Based on these strengths, we are addressing the opportunities created by the growth of mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices within the digital lifestyle products markets. Digital lifestyle products include mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music, and video players, remote controls, and global positioning devices, as well as a variety of mobile, handheld, wireless, and entertainment devices. Our array of human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products include our TouchButtons, NavPoint™, ClearPad™, and ClearButtons, which are designed to enrich the interface on peripherals and smartphones and feature phones, allowing the user to more easily use or navigate complex menu systems on their devices. We believe our existing technologies, our range of product solutions, and our emphasis on ease of use, small size, low power consumption, advanced functionality, durability, and reliability enable us to serve multiple aspects of the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices.
We anticipate that our human interface solutions for mobile smartphones and feature phones will continue to constitute an important percentage of our net revenue. Net revenue for our human interface solutions for mobile smartphones and feature phones was not material until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, but accounted for approximately 35% of our net revenue in fiscal 2009 and 2010. Our ongoing success in serving the mobile smartphone market will depend upon the continued growth of that portion of the overall mobile phone market, the utilization of high-functionality interactive capacitive touchscreens rather than mechanical buttons or resistive touchscreens as the interface for application access and control in those products, our ability to demonstrate to mobile smartphone OEMs the advantages of our human interface solutions in terms of performance, usability, size, durability, power consumption, and industrial design possibilities, and the success of products utilizing our human interface solutions. In addition, our success will depend on our ability to demonstrate to mobile smartphone OEMs, the advantages of our flexible touchscreen fulfillment model that encompasses chip to end-to-end solutions, including a complete touchscreen module that includes a capacitive sensor, controller ASIC, associated electronics, and firmware and software, enabling OEMs quickly to integrate capacitive touchscreens into new handset designs rather than doing or procuring the systems engineering and design work, purchasing the components separately, and coordinating with a module manufacturer to perform the assembly and testing.
Industry projections for the mobile smartphone market for the period 2010 through 2013 show a compound annual growth rate of 21%, reflecting the trend towards greater functionality in smartphone products to meet and address the expanded needs and expectations of the consumer oriented market. These products require a simple, durable, and intuitive human interface solution to enable the user to navigate efficiently through menus and scroll through information contained in the host device. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of this growing market based on our technology, engineering know-how, and the acceptance of our human interface solutions by OEMs in this market.
Our Strategy
Our objective is to continue to enhance our position as a leading supplier of human interface solutions for the PC market and for the markets for digital lifestyle products, including smartphones and feature phones. Key aspects of our strategy to achieve this objective include those set forth below.
Extend Our Technological Leadership
We plan to utilize our extensive intellectual property portfolio, engineering know-how, and technological expertise to extend the functionality of our product solutions and offer innovative product solutions to customers across multiple markets. We intend to continue utilizing our technological expertise to reduce the overall size, weight, cost, and power consumption of our human interface solutions while increasing their applications, capabilities, and performance. We plan to continue enhancing the ease of use and functionality of our solutions. We also plan to expand our research and development efforts through increased investment in our engineering activities, the hiring of additional engineering personnel, and strategic acquisitions and alliances. We believe that these efforts will enable us to meet customer expectations and to achieve our goal of supplying on a timely and cost-effective basis the most advanced, easy-to-use, functional human interface solutions to our target markets.

 

2


Table of Contents

Enhance Our Position in the PC Market
We intend to continue introducing market-leading human interface solutions in terms of performance, functionality, size, and ease of use. We plan to continue enhancing our customers’ industrial design alternatives and device functionality through innovative product development based on our existing capabilities and technological advances.
Capitalize on Growth of New Markets
We intend to capitalize on the growth of new markets, such as the digital lifestyle products markets, which include smartphones and feature phones and netbooks, brought about by the convergence of computing, communications, and entertainment devices. We plan to offer innovative, intuitive human interface solutions that address the evolving portability, connectivity, and functionality requirements of these new markets. We plan to offer these solutions to existing and potential OEM customers to enable increased functionality, reduced size, lower cost, and enhanced industrial design features and to enhance the user experience of their products. We plan to utilize our existing technologies as well as aggressively to pursue new technologies as new markets evolve that demand new solutions.
Emphasize and Expand Customer Relationships
We plan to emphasize and expand our strong and long-lasting customer relationships and to establish successful relationships with new customers. In each market we serve, we plan to provide the most advanced human interface solutions for our customers’ products. We believe that our human interface solutions enable our customers to deliver a positive user experience and to differentiate their products from those of their competitors. We continually strive to enhance the competitive position of our customers by providing them with innovative, distinctive, and high-quality human interface solutions on a timely and cost-effective basis. To do so, we work continually to improve our productivity, to reduce costs, and to speed the delivery of our human interface solutions. We endeavor to streamline the entire design and delivery process through our ongoing design, engineering, and production improvement efforts. We also focus on providing timely support to our customers after the purchase of our human interface solutions.
We plan to increase our business with existing customers and attract new customers by offering both custom design full solutions, as well as design tools, documentation, a family of capacitive sensing ASICs, and technical support to enable them to develop their own human interface designs for capacitive buttons and scrolling applications in products such as mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music and video players, and PC peripherals. As a result, customers have a choice of determining the most optimal way to meet their emerging and growing needs: our traditional custom module solutions or our OneTouch solution, which offers a flexible alternative when design integration or quick turns are important to the customer design cycle.
Pursue Strategic Relationships and Acquisitions
We intend to develop and expand strategic relationships to enhance our ability to offer value-added human interface solutions to our customers, penetrate new markets, and strengthen the technological leadership of our product solutions. We also consider the potential acquisition of companies in order to expand our technological expertise and to establish or strengthen our presence in selected target markets.
Continue Virtual Manufacturing
We plan to expand and diversify our production capacity through third-party relationships, thereby strengthening our virtual manufacturing platform. This strategy results in a scalable business model; enables us to concentrate on our core competencies of research and development, technological advances, and product design and engineering; and reduces our capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our virtual manufacturing strategy allows us to maintain a variable cost model, in which we do not incur most of our manufacturing costs until our product solutions have been shipped and billed to our customers.

 

3


Table of Contents

Product Solutions
We develop and enhance interface technologies that enrich the user’s experience in interacting with the user’s mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices. Our innovative and intuitive human interface solutions can be engineered to accommodate many diverse platforms, and our expertise in human factors and usability can be utilized to improve the features and functionality of our solutions. Our extensive array of technologies includes ASICs, firmware, software, mechanical and electrical designs, and pattern recognition and touch-sensing technologies.
Our custom-designed human interface solutions are custom engineered, total solutions for our customers, and include sensor design, module layout, ASICs, firmware, and software features for which we provide manufacturing and design support, and device testing. This allows us to be a one-stop supplier for complete human interface design from the early design stage, to manufacturing, to testing and support. Our OneTouch offering includes design tools, documentation, a family of capacitive sensing ASICs, and technical support to enable customers to develop their own human interface designs for capacitive buttons and scrolling applications. Through our engineering know-how and technological expertise, we seek to provide our customers with solutions that address their individual design issues and result in high-performance, feature-rich, and reliable interface solutions. We believe our interface solutions offer the following characteristics:
   
Ease of Use. Our interface solutions offer the ease of use and intuitive interaction that users demand.
   
Small Size. The small, thin size of our interface solutions enables our customers to reduce the overall size and weight of their products in order to satisfy consumer demand for portability.
   
Low Power Consumption. The low power consumption of our interface solutions enables our customers to offer products with longer battery life or smaller battery size.
   
Advanced Functionality. Our interface solutions offer advanced features, such as virtual scrolling, customizable tap zones, edge motion, and tapping and dragging icons, to enhance the user experience.
   
Reliability. The reliability of our interface solutions satisfies consumer requirements for dependability, which is a major component of consumer satisfaction.
   
Durability. Our interface solutions withstand repeated use, harsh physical treatment, and temperature fluctuations while providing a superior level of performance.
We believe these characteristics will enable us to maintain our leadership position in the PC market and to enhance our position as a technological enabler within the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, including mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music and video players.
Our human interface solutions are intended to satisfy our customers’ specification needs, including features and functionality, industrial design, mechanical, and electrical requirements. Our products also offer unique integration options, including allowing our capacitive sensors to be placed underneath the plastic of the device, which allows for streamlined and stylized designs, and LED integration to indicate status or enhance industrial design.
Our emphasis on technological leadership and design capabilities positions us to provide unique human interface solutions that address specific customer requirements. Our long-term working relationships with large, global OEMs provide us with experience in satisfying their demanding design specifications and other requirements. Our custom product solutions provide OEMs with numerous benefits, including the following:
   
modular integration;
   
reduced product development costs;
   
shorter product time to market;
   
compact and efficient platforms;
   
improved product functionality and utility; and
   
product differentiation.

 

4


Table of Contents

We work with our customers in order to meet their technical and functional specifications, their industrial design requirements, and their desire to differentiate their products from those of their competitors. This collaborative effort reduces the duplication and overlap of investment and resources, enabling our OEM customers to devote more time and resources to the market development of their products.
We utilize capacitive technology rather than resistive or mechanical technology in our product solutions. Unlike resistive and mechanical technology, our solid-state capacitive technology has no moving parts or activation force, thereby offering a durable, more reliable solution that can be integrated into both curved and flat surfaces. Capacitive technologies also allow for much thinner sensors than resistive or mechanical technology, providing for slimmer, more compact and unique industrial designs.
Products
Our family of product solutions allows our customers to solve their interface needs and differentiate their products from those of their competitors.
TouchPad
Our TouchPad, which takes the place and exceeds the functionality of a mouse, is a small, touch-sensitive pad that senses the position of a person’s finger on its surface through the measurement of capacitance. Our TouchPad provides an accurate, comfortable, and reliable method for screen navigation and cursor movement and provides a platform for interactive input. Our TouchPad solutions allow our customers to provide stylish, simple, user-friendly, and intuitive human interface solutions for both the consumer and corporate markets. Our TouchPad solutions offer various advanced features, including the following:
   
Scrolling. Our TouchPad permits the user to customize the scrolling feature as One Finger Scrolling, Two-Finger Scrolling, or ChiralScrolling based on their preference.
   
Customizable tap zones. These zones permit designated portions of the TouchPad to be used to simulate mouse clicks, launch applications, and perform other selected functions.
   
Performance of entertainment, productivity, and media tasks. Our Scrybe™ enables the user to quickly perform common entertainment, productivity, and media tasks using simple, easy-to-remember gestures on the TouchPad. Scrybe can be downloaded free-of-charge and used with most of our modern TouchPad sensors.
   
Tapping and dragging of icons. This feature allows the user to simply tap and hold on an icon in order to drag it, rather than being forced to hold a button down in order to drag an icon.
   
Device Interaction. Our Gesture Suiteprovides users with a customizable way to address productivity and to interact with their notebook systems through the TouchPad. Some of these gestures include Pinch for Zoom, Rotate, Three-finger flick, and many others.
Our TouchPad solutions are available in a variety of sizes, electrical interfaces, and thicknesses. Our TouchPad solutions are designed to meet the electrical and mechanical specifications of our customers. Customized firmware and driver software ensure the availability of specialized features. As a result of their solid state characteristics, our TouchPad solutions have no moving parts that wear out, resulting in a robust and reliable input solution that also allows for unique industrial designs.
ClickPad
Our ClickPad, a specific TouchPad application that eliminates the need for physical buttons, is an innovative product solution that can be used for scrolling, pointing, navigation, and selection. The buttonless design of our ClickPad allows for unique, intuitive industrial design and makes it an excellent alternative to conventional input and navigation devices. Our ClickPad is activated by pressing down on the internal tact switch to perform a left- or right-button click and provides tactile feedback similar to pressing a physical button.

 

5


Table of Contents

TouchStyk
Our TouchStyk is a proprietary pointing stick interface solution. TouchStyk is a self-contained, easily integrated module that uses capacitive technology similar to that of our TouchPad. TouchStyk is enabled with press-to-select and tap-to-click capabilities and can be easily integrated into multiple computing and communications devices. In addition, our design greatly reduces susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, thereby providing greater pointing accuracy and preventing the pointer from drifting when not in use.
We are currently shipping our TouchStyk in notebooks, portable multimedia players, and ultra mobile personal computers. Our modular approach allows OEMs to include our TouchPad, our TouchStyk, or a combination of both interfaces in their products.
Dual Pointing Solutions
Our dual pointing solutions offer a TouchPad with a pointing stick in a single notebook computer, enabling users to select their interface of choice. Our dual pointing solution also provides the end user the ability to use both interfaces interchangeably. Our dual pointing solution provides the following advantages:
   
cost-effective and simplified OEM integration;
   
simplified OEM product line because one device contains both solutions;
   
single-source supplier, which eliminates compatibility issues; and
   
end user flexibility because one notebook can address both user preferences.
We have developed two solutions for use in the dual pointing market. Our first solution integrates all the electronics for controlling a third-party resistive strain gauge pointing stick onto our TouchPad PCB. This solution simplifies OEM integration by eliminating the need to procure the pointing stick electronics from another party and physically integrate them into the notebook. Our second dual pointing solution uses our TouchStyk rather than a third-party pointing stick and offers the same simplified OEM integration. The second solution is a completely modular design, allowing OEMs to offer TouchPad-only, TouchStyk-only, or dual pointing solutions on a build-to-order basis.
NavPoint
Our NavPoint solution offers TouchPad functionality for small form factor devices for improved usability and versatility in accessing and managing content in handheld devices through unique navigation controls, including short- and long-distance scrolling features, tapping, and mouse-like cursor navigation.
ClearPad
Our ClearPad touchscreen solution consists of a transparent, thin capacitive sensor that can be placed over any display, such as an LCD or OLED. Similar to our traditional TouchPad, our ClearPad has distinct advantages, including low-profile form factor; high reliability, durability, and accuracy; and low power consumption. ClearPad can be mounted beneath curved surfaces, providing for unique industrial designs. ClearPad enables the user to interact directly with the display on electronic devices, such as mobile smartphones and feature phones.
We offer three variations of the ClearPad Series designed to meet the needs of the mobile handset market: ClearPad 3000 Series provides advanced multi-finger image sensing for high-end handsets; ClearPad 2000 Series offers DualTouch interaction for gestures including Pinch and Rotate; and ClearPad 1000 Series supports single-finger interaction at a low cost intended for mass-market and mid-range devices.
In addition, we offer our ClearPad 7200 Series, which is designed to meet the requirements of the large touchscreen market for products more closely related to clamshell notebooks, slates, tablets, and similar devices typically ranging between 5 inches to 10.1 inches.

 

6


Table of Contents

FlexPad
This capacitive sensing interface is mounted beneath a mechanical keypad, and allows the keypad surface to be used for advanced scrolling and navigation features, character entry, and advanced gesture input on handheld devices. With navigation functionality similar to a touchpad, FlexPad offers interface and industrial design differentiation while improving device interaction.
ClearButtons
Our ClearButtons product is an extension of our core capacitive sensing technology that has been used in TouchPad solutions for notebook PCs, smartphones, and feature phones. ClearButtons is a clear sensor that can be mounted under plastic, providing OEMs with easy integration and attractive design options for scrolling and buttons.
TouchButtons
Our TouchButtons product provides capacitive button and scrolling controls for an easy-to-use and stylish interface solution designed to replace mechanical buttons. Button arrays and ScrollStrips can be programmed to perform various functions, such as controls for multimedia, display and device settings in notebook PCs, multimedia keyboards, MP3 players, digital photo frames, monitors, and other digital lifestyle products. TouchButton interfaces are designed for integration under the plastic face of a device, allowing for a sealed, durable, and thin design, which can be coupled with LED animation. OEMs can incorporate TouchButtons into their products by either designing their own button controls, scrolling controls, or a combination of button and scrolling controls using our OneTouch offering or through our custom designed interface module.
OneTouch
OneTouch is a configurable solution based on our capacitive sensing technology, which includes a capacitive sensing ASIC, easy-to-use design tools, documentation, and technical support, that enables customers to develop their own custom interface designs in-house for capacitive buttons and scrolling applications in various products, including mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital media players, and PC peripherals, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and remote controls. OneTouch increases our reach from a customer standpoint by offering them an alternative and flexible way to leverage our technology know-how, and technological expertise whether through our traditional custom module solution or through the OneTouch capability that allows them to implement capacitive sensing in-house when design integration or quick design turns are important.
Capabilities
Our products are supported by a variety of feature capabilities allowing for further product differentiation and easy customer integration.
Synaptics Gesture Suite
Synaptics Gesture Suite, or SGS, provides users with an intuitive way to interact productively with their notebook systems. SGS was developed by analyzing the most common workflows from entertainment activities, such as viewing photos and listening to music, to productivity activities, such as accessing emails and presentations. The result is an intelligent usability model that makes it intuitive for consumers to understand and discover features easily, resulting in a better user experience. SGS represents a growing portfolio of gestures available on our interface solutions. These new gestures are compatible with a wide range of Microsoft Windows and Linux applications to enhance the value and productivity of notebook PCs and peripheral devices that use our Touchpads. Gestures currently in the market include Pinch, Rotate, ChiralMotion™ Scrolling, Two-Finger Scrolling, Three-Finger Flick, and Three-Finger Down.
Enhanced Gesture Recognition™
Enhanced Gesture Recognition is a suite of ClearPad gestures included in our firmware. Customers can easily enable SingleTouch gestures, such as Tap, Double Tap, Press, and Flick, as well as DualTouch gestures, such as Pinch and Pivot Rotate, for ClearPad directly from our touch module firmware. No additional recognition software is required on the host processor to implement these gestures. This approach lowers host processor resource requirements and ensures that gestures are implemented using our proven pattern-recognition technology.

 

7


Table of Contents

Dual Mode for TouchPad
Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad interface allow a user to switch between cursor control and icon-based controls on the TouchPad surface. In default mode, a Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad provides the same cursor control for on-screen navigation as a standard TouchPad. When the user taps on a launch icon located on the TouchPad surface, control icons illuminate on the TouchPad surface.
Dual Mode functionality offers OEMs a variety of customization options, including tap zones for launching applications and multimedia controls, scrolling zones to adjust volume, and programmable buttons to enable end users to choose their application of choice to launch through our Dual Mode driver. To regain cursor control, the user simply taps the mode switch button and the illuminated icons disappear, allowing the user to control the cursor for on-screen navigation.
Proximity Sensing
Proximity sensing technology enables users to interact with consumer electronics without touch. With this technology, sensors in a device, such as a notebook PC, mobile phone, peripheral, or digital photo frame, sense the presence of a user’s hand to activate a function. These sensors can illuminate LEDs for discoverable buttons, immediately wake devices from power-saving mode, or activate other functionality.
ChiralMotion Gesture
With our ChiralMotion Gesture technology, the user can apply one continuous circular motion to initiate precise and fine-tuned scrolling on any two-dimensional input surface, such as our TouchPad and ClearPad solutions.
ChiralMotion Gesture technology is well-suited for small handheld products, such as feature-rich mobile handsets, personal navigation systems, and personal media players that require easy access for entertainment, music, and other digital files. Scrolling through long documents or pages on a notebook PC becomes simple when using a TouchPad enhanced with ChiralMotion and reversing the direction of scrolling simply requires the user to reverse the circular motion of their finger.
Technologies
We have developed and own an extensive array of technologies, encompassing ASICs, firmware, software, mechanical and electrical designs, pattern recognition, and touch sensing technologies. With 113 U.S. patents in force and 113 U.S. patents pending, as well as many non-U.S. counterparts, we continue to develop technology in these areas. We believe these technologies and the related intellectual property create barriers for competitors and allow us to provide human interface solutions in a variety of high-growth markets.
Our broad line of human interface solutions currently is based upon the following key technologies:
   
capacitive position sensing technology;
   
capacitive force sensing technology;
   
transparent capacitive position sensing technology;
   
pattern recognition technology;
   
mixed signal integrated circuit technology;
   
multi-touch technology; and
   
proprietary microcontroller technology.

 

8


Table of Contents

In addition to these technologies, we develop firmware and device driver software that we incorporate into our products, which provide unique features, such as virtual scrolling, customizable tap zones, PalmCheck, EdgeMotion, and tapping and dragging of icons. In addition, our ability to integrate all of our products to interface with major operating systems, including Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows CE, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Android, Symbian, UNIX, and LINUX, provides us with a competitive advantage.
Capacitive Position Sensing Technology. This technology provides a method for sensing the presence, position, and contact area of one or more fingers or a conductive stylus on a flat or curved surface, such as our TouchPad, TouchRing, and ScrollStrip. Our technology works with very light touch, supports full multi-touch capabilities, and provides highly responsive cursor navigation, scrolling, and selection. It uses no moving parts, can be implemented under plastic, and is extremely durable.
Capacitive Force Sensing Technology. This technology senses the direction and magnitude of a force applied to an object. The object can either move when force is applied, like a typical joystick used for gaming applications, or it can be isometric, with no perceptible motion during use, like our TouchStyk. The primary competition for this technology is resistive strain gauge technology. Resistive strain gauge technology requires electronics that can sense very small changes in resistance, presenting challenges to the design of that circuitry, including sensitivity to electrical noise and interference. Our electronic circuitry determines the magnitude and direction of an applied force, permits very accurate sensing of tiny changes in capacitance, and minimizes electrical interference from other sources.
Transparent Capacitive Position Sensing Technology. This technology allows us to build transparent sensors for use with our capacitive position sensing technology, such as in our ClearPad. It has all the advantages of our capacitive position sensing technology and allows for visual feedback when incorporated with a display device, such as an LCD. Our technology does not require calibration, does not produce undesirable internal reflections, and has reduced power requirements, allowing for longer battery life.
Pattern Recognition Technology. This technology is a set of software algorithms and techniques for converting real-world data, such as handwriting, into a digital form that can be recognized and manipulated within a computer and gesture decoding for our TouchPad products. Our technology provides reliable handwriting recognition and can be used in other applications such as signature verification and gesture recognition providing for a richer user experience.
Mixed Signal Integrated Circuit Technology. This hybrid analog-digital integrated circuit technology combines the power of digital computation with the ability to interface with non-digital, real-world signals, such as the position of a finger or stylus on a surface. Our patented design techniques permit us to utilize this technology to optimize our core ASIC engine for all our products.
Proprietary Microcontroller Technology. This technology consists of a proprietary 16-bit microcontroller core embedded in the digital portion of our mixed signal ASIC, which allows us to optimize our ASIC for position sensing tasks. Our embedded microcontroller provides great flexibility in customizing our product solutions utilizing firmware, which eliminates the need to design new circuitry for each new application.
Competing Technology
Many human interface solutions currently utilize resistive sensing technology. Resistive sensing technology consists of a flexible membrane above a flat, rigid, electrically conductive surface. When finger or stylus pressure is applied to the membrane, it deforms until it makes contact with the rigid layer below, at which point attached electronics can determine the position of the finger or stylus. Since the flexible membrane is a moving part, it is susceptible to mechanical wear and will eventually suffer degraded performance. Due to the way that resistive position sensors work, it is not possible for them to detect more than a single finger or stylus at any given time. The positional accuracy of a resistive sensor is limited by the uniformity of the resistive coating as well as by the mechanics of the flexible membrane. Finally, implementations of resistive technology over display devices, such as an LCD, result in reduced transmissivity, or the amount of light that can pass through the display, requiring the use of backlighting and thereby reducing the battery life of the device.

 

9


Table of Contents

Research and Development
We conduct ongoing research and development programs that focus on advancing our technologies, developing new products, improving design and manufacturing processes, and enhancing the quality and performance of our product solutions. Our goal is to provide our customers with innovative solutions that address their needs and improve their competitive positions. Our research and development focuses on advancing our existing interface technologies, improving our current product solutions, and expanding our technologies to serve new markets. Our vision is to offer human interface solutions, such as touch, handwriting, vision, and voice capabilities, that can be readily incorporated into varied electronic devices.
Our research and development programs focus on the development of accurate, easy to use, reliable, and intuitive human interfaces for electronic devices. We believe our innovative interface technologies can be applied to many diverse products. We believe the interface is a key factor in the differentiation of these products. We believe that our interface technologies enable us to provide customers with product solutions that have significant advantages over alternative technologies in terms of functionality, size, power consumption, durability, and reliability. We also intend to pursue strategic relationships and acquisitions to enhance our research and development capabilities, leverage our technology, and shorten our time to market with new technological applications.
Our research, design, and engineering teams frequently work directly with our customers to design custom solutions for specific applications. We focus on enabling our customers to overcome technical barriers and enhance the performance of their products. We believe our engineering know-how and electronic systems expertise provide significant benefits to our customers by enabling them to concentrate on their core competencies of production and marketing.
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we employed 368 people in our technology, engineering, and product design functions in the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and China. Our research and development expenses were approximately $50.1 million, $68.0 million, and $86.6 million in fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.
Intellectual Property Rights
Our success and ability to compete depend in part on our ability to maintain the proprietary aspects of our technologies and products. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality agreements, and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property, but these measures may provide only limited protection. Our research, design, and engineering teams frequently work directly with our OEM customers to design custom solutions for specific applications.
We hold 113 U.S. patents in force and have 113 U.S. patents pending, as well as many non-U.S. counterparts to the U.S. patents and U.S. patents pending. Collectively, these patents and patents pending cover various aspects of our key technologies, including touch sensing, pen sensing, handwriting recognition, customizable tap zones, edge motion, and virtual scrolling technologies. Our proprietary software is protected by copyright laws and the source code for our proprietary software is protected under applicable trade secret laws.
Our extensive array of technologies includes ASICs, firmware, software, and pattern recognition and position sensing technologies. Our products rely on a combination of these technologies, making it difficult to use any single technology as the basis for replicating our products. Furthermore, the length and customization of the customer design cycle serve to protect our intellectual property rights.
Patent applications that we have filed or may file in the future may not result in a patent being issued. Our issued patents may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, and claims of our patents may not be of sufficient scope or strength, or issued in the proper geographic regions, to provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage. We have not applied for, and do not have, any copyright registration on our technologies or products. We have applied to register certain of our trademarks in the United States and other countries. There can be no assurance that we will obtain registrations of trademarks in key markets. Failure to obtain registrations could compromise our ability to protect fully our trademarks and brands and could increase the risk of challenge from third parties to our use of our trademarks and brands. In addition, our failure to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights or obtain from third parties the right to use necessary technology could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

10


Table of Contents

We do not consistently rely on written agreements with our customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and other recipients of our technologies and products, and therefore some trade secret protection may be lost and our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights may be limited. Furthermore, our customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and other recipients of our technologies and products may seek to use our technologies and products without appropriate limitations. In the past, we did not consistently require our employees and consultants to enter into confidentiality, employment, or proprietary information and invention agreements. Therefore, our former employees and consultants may try to claim some ownership interest in our technologies and products and may use our technologies and products competitively and without appropriate limitations.
Other companies, including our competitors, may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies, duplicate our technologies, or design around our patents and may have or obtain patents or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit, or interfere with our ability to make, use, or sell our products. Effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries in which we operate, such as China and Taiwan. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise use aspects of our technologies and products that we regard as proprietary. There can be no assurance that our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will be adequate or that competitors will not independently develop similar technologies. If our intellectual property protection is insufficient to protect our intellectual property rights, we could face increased competition in the market for our technologies and products.
We may receive notices from third parties that claim our products infringe their rights. From time to time, we receive notice from third parties of the intellectual property rights such parties have obtained. We cannot be certain that our technologies and products do not and will not infringe issued patents or other proprietary rights of third parties. Any infringement claims, with or without merit, could result in significant litigation costs and diversion of resources, including the payment of damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Customers
Our customers include many of the world’s largest PC OEMs, based on unit shipments, as well as a variety of consumer electronics manufacturers, including mobile smartphone and feature phone OEMs. Our demonstrated track record of technological leadership, design innovation, product performance, cost effectiveness, and on-time delivery have resulted in our leadership position in providing human interface solutions. We believe our strong relationship with our OEM customers, many of which are currently developing digital lifestyle products, will position us as a source of supply for their product offerings.
Our industry leading OEM customers in fiscal 2010 included the following:
     
    Acer
 
    LG Electronics
 
   
    Asustek
 
    Nokia
 
   
    Dell
 
    Samsung
 
   
    Hewlett-Packard
 
    Sharp
 
   
    HTC
 
    Sony Ericsson
 
   
    Lenovo
 
    Toshiba
We generally supply custom-designed products to our OEM customers through their contract manufacturers. We sell our custom-designed products directly to these contract manufacturers, some of which include Compal, Futaihua, Inventec, Kuroda, Protek, Wistron, TPK, and Zhan Yun Shanghai Electronics. Sales to Zhan Yun Shanghai Electronics and Compal accounted for approximately 11% and 10%, respectively, of our net revenue for fiscal 2010. Sales to TPK Touch Solutions and Inventec accounted for approximately 14% and 11%, respectively, of our net revenue for fiscal 2009. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our net revenue for either fiscal 2010 or 2009. We supply our OneTouch solution to both OEM contract manufacturers and OEM customers.
We consider both the OEMs and their contract manufacturers to be our customers. Both the OEMs and their contract manufacturers may determine the design and pricing requirements and make the overall decision regarding the use of our human interface solutions in their products. The contract manufacturers place orders with us for the purchase of our products, take title to the products purchased upon shipment by us, and pay us directly for those purchases. These customers have no return privileges except for warranty provisions.

 

11


Table of Contents

Strategic Relationships
We have used strategic relationships to enhance our ability to offer value-added customer solutions in the past. We intend to enter into additional strategic relationships with companies that may help us serve our target markets.
Sales and Marketing
We sell our product solutions for incorporation into the products of our OEM customers. We generate sales through direct sales employees as well as outside sales representatives and distributors. Our sales personnel receive substantial technical assistance and support from our internal engineering resources because of the highly technical nature of our product solutions. Sales frequently result from multi-level sales efforts that involve senior management, design engineers, and our sales personnel interacting with our customers’ decision makers throughout the product development and order process.
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we employed 120 sales and marketing professionals. We maintain nine customer support offices domestically and internationally, which are located in the United States, Taiwan, China, Korea, Japan, and Switzerland. In addition, we utilize sales representatives/sales distributors in China, Japan, and Taiwan.
International sales constituted approximately 99% of our revenue for each of fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010. Approximately 87% of our sales were made to companies located in China and Taiwan that provide design and manufacturing services for major notebook computer and digital lifestyle product OEMs. All of our sales were denominated in U.S. dollars.
Manufacturing
We employ a virtual manufacturing platform through third-party relationships. We currently utilize three semiconductor wafer manufacturers to supply us with silicon wafers integrating our proprietary design specifications. The completed silicon wafers are forwarded to third-party package and test processors for further processing into die and packaged ASICs, as applicable, which are then utilized in our custom interface products or processed as our OneTouch products.
After processing and testing, the die and ASICs are consigned to various contract manufacturers for assembly or, in the case of OneTouch ASICs, are shipped directly to our customers. During the assembly process, our die or ASIC is combined with other components to complete the module for our custom human interface solution. The finished assembled product is subsequently shipped by our contract manufacturers directly to our customers for integration into their products.
We believe our virtual manufacturing strategy provides a scalable business model; enables us to concentrate on our core competencies of research and development, technological advances, and product design and engineering; and reduces our capital expenditures. In addition, this strategy significantly reduces our working capital requirements for inventory because we do not incur most of our manufacturing costs until we have actually shipped our interface products to our customers and billed those customers for those products.
Our third-party contract manufacturers are Asian-based organizations. We provide our contract manufacturers with six-month rolling forecasts of our production requirements. We do not, however, have long-term agreements with any of our contract manufacturers that guarantee production capacity, prices, lead times, or delivery schedules. The strategy of relying on those parties exposes us to vulnerability owing to our dependence on few sources of supply. We believe, however, that other sources of supply are available. In addition, we may establish relationships with other contract manufacturers in order to reduce our dependence on any one source of supply.
Periodically, we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers when a customer delays its delivery schedule or cancels its order. In those circumstances in which our customer has cancelled its order and we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers, we consider a write-down to reduce the carrying value of the inventory purchased to its net realizable value. We charge write-downs to reduce the carrying value of obsolete, slow moving, and non-usable inventory to net realizable value to cost of revenue.

 

12


Table of Contents

Backlog
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had a backlog of orders of $84.9 million, an increase of $22.1 million compared with a backlog of orders as of the end of fiscal 2009 of $62.8 million. The increase in backlog resulted primarily from the timing of customer orders. Our backlog consists of product orders for which purchase orders have been received and which are scheduled for shipment in the subsequent quarter. Most orders are subject to rescheduling or cancellation with limited penalties. Because of the possibility of customer changes in product shipments, our backlog as of a particular date may not be indicative of net sales for any succeeding period.
Competition
Our principal competitors in the sale of notebook touch pads are Alps Electric, a Japanese conglomerate, and Elan Microelectronics, a Taiwanese company, and our principal competitor in the sale of notebook pointing sticks is Alps. In the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, our competitors include Cypress, Atmel, Melfas, Elan, and various other companies involved in human interface solutions. In certain cases, large OEMs may develop alternative human interface solutions for their own products or provide key components for use in designing human interface solutions.
In the notebook human interface market, we plan to continue to compete primarily on the basis of our technological expertise, design innovation, customer service, and the long track record of performance of our human interface solutions, including their ease of use, reliability, and cost-effectiveness as well as their timely design, production, and delivery schedules. Our pointing stick solutions, including our proprietary TouchStyk, enable us to address the notebook computer market that uses solely a pointing stick rather than a touch pad as the human interface as well as the notebook market that uses dual pointing interfaces. Our ability to supply OEMs with TouchPads, TouchStyks, and dual pointing alternatives enhances our market position as we can provide OEMs with the following advantages:
   
single source supplier to eliminate compatibility issues;
   
cost-effective and simplified integration;
   
simplified product line to address both interface preferences;
   
end user flexibility because one notebook can address both user preferences;
   
highly experienced engineering resources, particularly in the mechanical, industrial design, and electrical areas as the general notebook market embraces thinner and lighter designs; and
   
modular approach allowing OEMs to utilize our TouchPad, our TouchStyk, or a combination of both interfaces.
In the human interface markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, we compete primarily based on the advantages of our systems knowledge of capacitive sensing and pattern recognition technologies. We believe our solutions-based engineering expertise coupled with our technologies offer benefits in terms of size, power consumption, durability, light transmissivity, resolution, ease of use, and reliability when compared to our competitors and other technologies. While these markets continue to evolve, we believe we are positioned to compete aggressively for this business based on our proven track record, our marquee global customer base, and our reputation for design innovation. New competitors, alliances among competitors, or alliances among competitors and OEMs also may emerge and allow competitors to rapidly acquire significant market share. In addition, our success will depend on our ability to demonstrate to mobile smartphone OEMs, the advantages of our flexible touch screen fulfillment model that encompasses chip to end-to-end solutions, including a complete touchscreen module that includes a capacitive sensor, controller ASIC, associated electronics, and firmware and software, enabling OEMs quickly to integrate capacitive touchscreens into new handset designs rather than doing or procuring the systems engineering and design work, purchasing the components separately, and coordinating with a module manufacturer to perform the assembly and testing.
Furthermore, our competitors or our customers may develop technologies in the future that more effectively address the human interface needs of the notebook market and digital lifestyle product markets. Our sales, profitability, and success depend on our ability to compete with other suppliers of human interface solutions and components used in human interface solutions. Our competitive position could be adversely affected if one or more of our current OEMs reduce their orders or if we are unable to develop new customers for our human interface solutions.

 

13


Table of Contents

Employees
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we employed a total of 586 persons, including 98 in finance, administration, and operations; 120 in sales and marketing; and 368 in research and development. Of these employees, 347 were located in North America, 233 in Asia/Pacific, and six in Europe. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good, and none of our employees are represented by a union in collective bargaining with us.
Competition for qualified personnel in our industry is extremely intense, particularly for engineering and other technical personnel. Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, hire, and retain qualified personnel.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of July 31, 2010:
             
Name   Age   Position
 
           
Thomas J. Tiernan
    47     President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
 
           
Kathleen A. Bayless
    54     Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer
 
           
Russell J. Knittel
    60     Executive Vice President
 
           
David B. Long
    49     Vice President of World Wide Sales
 
           
Joseph D. Montalbo
    54     Senior Vice President of Silicon Systems Division
 
           
Alex Wong
    55     Vice President of World Wide Operations
 
           
Mark N. Vena
    48     Vice President and General Manager, PC Division
Thomas J. Tiernan has been Chief Executive Officer of our company since July 2009 and President and a director of our company since July 2008. Mr. Tiernan served as Chief Operating Officer of our company from July 2008 to July 2009, as Executive Vice President and General Manager of our company from July 2007 until July 2008, and as Senior Vice President of our company from March 2006 until July 2007. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Tiernan served as Vice President and General Manager of Symbol Technologies’ Mobile Computing Division. From 1985 to 2004, Mr. Tiernan held various management and executive positions at Hewlett-Packard, including running the Network Storage business in the Americas, the Enterprise Systems business in Asia Pacific, and the PC business in Japan. Mr. Tiernan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University and a Masters of Science in Computer Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Kathleen A. Bayless has been Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of our company since September 2009. Ms. Bayless served as the Senior Vice President - Finance of our company from March 2009 to September 2009. Ms. Bayless spent thirteen years at Komag, a leading supplier of thin-film disks to the disk drive industry, where she served most recently as Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer. Komag filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on August 24, 2001. Prior to joining Komag, Ms. Bayless held the position of Senior Audit Manager at the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young. Ms. Bayless holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University Fresno and is a certified public accountant.

 

14


Table of Contents

Russell J. Knittel has been Executive Vice President of our company since July 2007 and acting General Manager of our Handheld Division since July 2010. Mr. Knittel served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of our company from November 2001 until his retirement from those positions in September 2009. Upon retiring from management, Mr. Knittel will join our board of directors. Mr. Knittel served as Senior Vice President of our company from November 2001 until July 2007. He served as Vice President of Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of our company from April 2000 through October 2001. Mr. Knittel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from California State University at Fullerton and a Masters of Business Administration from San Jose State University.
David B. Long has been Vice President of World Wide Sales of our company since January 2008. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Long served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales for Consumer Products at LSI Logic Corporation where he directed the management of sales and customer support for standard and custom silicon solutions. From 2003 to 2006, he served as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales of LSI, focusing on the Consumer and Storage product segments. He was the Director of North American-West Sales for LSI Operations from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Long also managed LSI’s worldwide account with Cisco Systems from 1998 until 2002, directing an extended team of sales, engineering, marketing, operations, and customer service representatives. Mr. Long holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Marketing Management from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.
Joseph D. Montalbo has been Senior Vice President of Silicon Systems Division since July 2010 and previously Senior Vice President of Engineering of our company since January 2008. From April 2005 until November 2007, Mr. Montalbo served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and board member of Pixim, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company marketing image sensing products into the security market. From June 1978 until April 2005, Mr. Montalbo also served in various senior management positions at National Semiconductor Corp., most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the Custom Solutions Group. Mr. Montalbo also served on the board of directors of Validity Sensors, Inc. Mr. Montalbo holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from The Cooper Union in New York.
Alex Wong has been Vice President of World Wide Operations of our company since September 2006. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Wong served our company as Managing Director of Hong Kong and Director of Operations. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Wong held various management positions with National Semiconductor Corporation, including General Manager for National Joint Ventures in China and Hong Kong and Director of Corporate Business Development. Mr. Wong holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University at Northridge and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of East Asia, Macau.
Mark N. Vena has been Vice President and General Manager, PC Division since July 2010 and previously Vice President, PC Business of our company since April 2007. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Vena served as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing of Alienware from October 2005 to March 2007. From 1982 to 2005, Mr. Vena held various business and product marketing leadership positions at Dell, Compaq, Epson, and IBM. Mr. Vena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, cum laude, from Boston College.
There are no arrangements, understandings, or family relationships pursuant to which our executive officers were selected. There are no related party transactions between us and our executive officers. We have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors.

 

15


Table of Contents

ITEM 1A.  
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following factors, together with all the other information included in this report, in evaluating our company and our business.
We currently depend on our TouchPad products, and the notebook computer market, for a significant portion of our revenue, and a downturn in these products or this market could have a disproportionate impact on our revenue.
Historically, we have derived a very substantial portion of our revenue from the sale of our TouchPad products for notebook computers. Those products accounted for approximately 57% of our net revenue in fiscal 2009 and 59% of our net revenue in fiscal 2010. While our long-term objective is to derive revenue from human interface solutions in the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, we anticipate that sales of our TouchPads for notebooks will continue to represent a significant portion of our revenue. In 2009, the PC market as a whole experienced a slowdown in the rate of growth; subsequently, the notebook portion of the PC market has expanded, although at a slower rate, with the lower priced notebooks including netbooks having been responsible for a major portion of recent growth. A softening of demand in the notebook portion of the PC market, a reduced level of our participation in the notebook portion of the PC market, or a slowdown of growth in the netbook portion of the notebook market because of consumer preferences, the emergence of tablet or slate devices, or other factors would cause our business, financial condition, and results of operations to suffer more than they would if we offered a more diversified line of products.
Net revenue from our human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products has been volatile in the past, and our net revenue from our human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products may not increase or be less volatile in the future.
Net revenue from our human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products, particularly mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music players, has been volatile in the past. Net revenue from our human interface solutions for mobile smartphones and feature phones only became material in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Our net revenue from our human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products may not increase or be less volatile in the future. Net revenue from our human interface solutions for digital lifestyle products was $203.7 million (which included $166.3 million for mobile smartphones and feature phones and $37.4 million for portable digital music players), or 43% of our net revenue, in fiscal 2009 and $209.1 million (which included $177.4 million for mobile smartphones and feature phones and $31.7 million for portable digital music players), or 41% of our net revenue, in fiscal 2010. Our interface business for digital lifestyle products faces many uncertainties, including our success in penetrating new markets dominated by a limited number of OEMs and market acceptance of our product solutions over competitive product solutions. Our inability to address these uncertainties successfully and to be a leading supplier of human interfaces for digital lifestyle products would negatively affect our growth rate. We do not know whether our human interface solutions for the digital lifestyle product market will capture a larger portion of the overall market or will account for a substantial portion of our revenue on a consistent basis. The failure to succeed in these markets would result in a negative return on the substantial investments we have made to date and plan to make in the future to penetrate these markets.
We cannot assure you that our human interface business for digital lifestyle products will continue to be successful or that we will be able to continue to generate significant revenue from the markets for digital lifestyle products.
Various target markets for our interfaces, such as those for mobile smartphones and feature phones, GPS devices, smart handheld devices, and interactive games and toys, may develop slower than anticipated or could utilize competing technologies. The market for certain of these products depends in part upon the continued development and deployment of wireless and other technologies, which may or may not address the needs of users of these products.
Our ability to generate significant revenue from the markets for certain digital lifestyle products will depend on various factors, including the following:
   
the continued development and growth of these markets;
 
   
the ability of our technologies and product solutions to address the needs of these markets, the price and performance requirements of OEMs, and the preferences of end users; and
   
our ability to provide OEMs with human interface solutions that provide advantages in terms of size, power consumption, reliability, durability, performance, and value-added features compared with alternative solutions.

 

16


Table of Contents

Many manufacturers of these products have well-established relationships with competitive suppliers. Our ongoing success in these markets will require us to offer better performance alternatives to other solutions at competitive costs. The failure of any of these target markets to develop as we expect, or our failure to serve these markets to a significant extent, will impede our sales growth and could result in substantially reduced earnings. We cannot predict the size or growth rate of these markets or the market share we will achieve in these markets in the future.
A majority of our historical financial performance is based on net revenue generated from our human interface solutions to the notebook computer market and may not be indicative of our future performance in other markets, including the market for mobile smartphones and feature phones.
A majority of our historical financial performance reflects net revenue generated from our human interface solutions for notebook computers. While we expect sales of our human interface solutions for notebook computers to continue to generate a substantial percentage of our revenue, we expect to derive a significant portion of our revenue from sales of our product solutions for digital lifestyle products, including mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music players, and other electronic devices. We have a limited operating history in these markets, especially for mobile smartphones and feature phones, upon which you can evaluate our prospects, which may make it difficult to predict our actual results in future periods. Actual results of our future operations may differ materially from our anticipated results.
We anticipate that our human interface solutions for mobile smartphones and feature phones will continue to constitute a significant portion of our net revenue. Net revenue for our human interface solutions for mobile smartphones and feature phones was not material until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, but accounted for approximately a third of our net revenue in fiscal 2009 and 2010. Our ongoing success in serving the mobile smartphone and feature phone market will depend upon the continued growth of that portion of the overall mobile phone market; the utilization of high-functionality interactive touchscreens rather than mechanical buttons and keypads as the human interface for application and content access and control in those products; our ability to demonstrate to mobile phone OEMs, including those with which we have had no prior relationship, the advantages of our human interface solutions in terms of performance, size, durability, power consumption, and industrial design possibilities at attractive prices such that they adopt our solutions; and the success of OEMs products utilizing our human interface solutions. In addition, our success will depend on our ability to demonstrate to mobile smartphone OEMs, the advantages of our flexible touchscreen fulfillment model through offering a full range of touchscreen solutions.
Market acceptance of our customers’ existing or new products that utilize our human interface solution may decline or may not develop and, as a result, our sales may decline or may not increase.
We do not sell any products to end users. Instead, we design various human interface solutions that our OEM customers incorporate into their products. As a result, our success depends almost entirely upon the widespread market acceptance of our OEM customers’ products. We do not control or influence the manufacture, promotion, distribution, or pricing of the products that incorporate our human interface solutions. Instead, we depend on our customers to manufacture and distribute products incorporating our human interface solutions and to generate consumer demand through marketing and promotional activities. Even if our technologies successfully meet our customers’ price and performance goals, our sales would decline or fail to develop if our customers do not achieve commercial success in selling their products that incorporate our human interface solutions.
Competitive advances by OEMs in the PC or digital lifestyle product markets, which do not utilize our human interface solutions broadly in their product offerings, at the expense of our OEM customers could result in lost sales opportunities. Within the digital lifestyle product market, the mobile smartphone market has become an important factor in our operating results. Any failure to expand our presence in this market, a significant slowdown in the use of our human interface solutions by our customers in this market, the reduced demand for our customers’ products, or a slowdown of growth in this market would adversely affect our sales.

 

17


Table of Contents

If we fail to maintain and build relationships with our customers and do not continue to satisfy our customers, we may lose future sales and our revenue may stagnate or decline.
Because our success depends on the widespread market acceptance of our OEM customers’ products, we must continue to maintain our relationships with the leading notebook computer and portable digital music player OEMs and expand our relationships with mobile smartphone OEMs. In addition, we must identify areas of significant growth potential in other markets, establish relationships with OEMs in those markets, and assist those OEMs in developing products that use our interface technologies. Our failure to identify potential growth opportunities, particularly in the mobile smartphone and feature phone market, or establish and maintain relationships with OEMs in those markets, would prevent our business from growing in those markets.
Our ability to meet the expectations of our customers requires us to provide innovative human interface solutions for customers on a timely and cost-effective basis and to maintain customer satisfaction with our human interface solutions. We must match our design and production capacity with customer demand, maintain satisfactory delivery schedules, and meet performance goals. If we are unable to achieve these goals for any reason, our customers could reduce their purchases from us and our sales would decline or fail to develop.
Our customer relationships also can be affected by factors affecting our customers that are unrelated to our performance. These factors can include a myriad of situations, including business reversals of customers, determinations by customers to change their product mix or abandon business segments, or mergers, consolidations, or acquisitions involving our customers.
The loss of revenue from one or more large customers could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Sales to two customers that provide contract manufacturing services to major OEMs accounted for an aggregate of 25% of our net revenue for fiscal 2009, and two customers accounted for 21% of our net revenue for fiscal 2010. These customers were TPK Touch Solutions and Inventec in fiscal 2009 and Zhan Yun Shanghai Electronics and Compal in fiscal 2010. Additionally, receivables from each of Zhan Yun Shanghai Electronics and Compal exceeded 10% of accounts receivable and in the aggregate represented 30% of accounts receivable at the end of fiscal 2010.
Compal, Futaihua, Inventec, Kuroda, Protek, Wistron, TPK and Zhan Yun Shanghai Electronics are some of the contract manufacturers that serve our OEM customers. Any material delay, cancellation, or reduction of orders from any one or more of these contract manufacturers or the OEMs they serve could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The adverse effect would be more substantial if our other customers do not increase their orders or if we are unsuccessful in generating orders for human interface solutions from new customers. Many of these contract manufacturers sell to the same OEMs, and therefore our concentration with certain OEMs may be higher than with any individual contract manufacturer. Concentration in our customer base may make fluctuations in revenue and earnings more severe and make business planning more difficult.
We rely on others for our production and any interruptions of these arrangements could disrupt our ability to fill our customers’ orders.
We utilize contract manufacturers for all of our production requirements. The majority of our manufacturing is conducted in China, Taiwan, and Thailand by contract manufacturers that also perform services for numerous other companies. We do not have a guaranteed level of production capacity with any of our contract manufacturers. Qualifying new contract manufacturers, and specifically semiconductor foundries, is time consuming and might result in unforeseen manufacturing and operations problems. The loss of our relationships with our contract manufacturers or assemblers or their inability to conduct their manufacturing and assembly services for us as anticipated in terms of capacity, cost, quality, and timeliness could adversely affect our ability to fill customer orders in accordance with required delivery, quality, and performance requirements. If this were to occur, the resulting decline in revenue would harm our business.

 

18


Table of Contents

We depend on third parties to maintain satisfactory manufacturing yields and delivery schedules, and their inability to do so could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, and result in our inability to deliver our products, which would adversely affect our results of operations.
We depend on our contract manufacturers to maintain high levels of productivity and satisfactory delivery schedules at manufacturing and assembly facilities located primarily in China, Taiwan, and Thailand. We provide our contract manufacturers with six-month rolling forecasts of our production requirements. We do not, however, have long-term agreements with any of our contract manufacturers that guarantee production capacity, prices, lead times, or delivery schedules. Our contract manufacturers serve other customers, a number of which have greater production requirements than we do. As a result, our contract manufacturers could determine to prioritize production capacity for other customers or reduce or eliminate deliveries to us on short notice. At times, we have experienced lower than anticipated manufacturing yields and lengthening of delivery schedules. Lower than expected manufacturing yields could increase our costs or disrupt our supplies. We may encounter lower manufacturing yields and longer delivery schedules in commencing volume production of new products that we introduce. Any of these problems could result in our inability to deliver our product solutions in a timely manner and adversely affect our operating results.
Shortages of components and materials may delay or reduce our sales and increase our costs, thereby harming our results of operations.
The inability to obtain sufficient quantities of components and other materials necessary for the production of our products could result in reduced or delayed sales or lost orders. Any delay in or loss of sales could adversely impact our operating results. Many of the materials used in the production of our products are available only from a limited number of foreign suppliers, particularly suppliers located in Asia. In most cases, neither we nor our contract manufacturers have long-term supply contracts with these suppliers. As a result, we are subject to economic instability in these Asian countries as well as to increased costs, supply interruptions, and difficulties in obtaining materials. Our customers also may encounter difficulties or increased costs in obtaining the materials necessary to produce their products into which our product solutions are incorporated.
From time to time, materials and components used in our product solutions or in other aspects of our customers’ products have been subject to allocation because of shortages of these materials and components. Future shortages of materials and components, including potential supply constraints of silicon, could cause delayed shipments, customer dissatisfaction, and lower revenue.
We are subject to lengthy development periods and product acceptance cycles, which can result in development and engineering costs without any future revenue.
We provide human interface solutions that are incorporated by OEMs into the products they sell. OEMs make the determination during their product development programs whether to incorporate our human interface solutions or pursue other alternatives. This process requires us to make significant investments of time and resources in the design of human interface solutions well before our customers introduce their products incorporating these interfaces and before we can be sure that we will generate any significant sales to our customers or even recover our investment. During a customer’s entire product development process, we face the risk that our interfaces will fail to meet our customer’s technical, performance, or cost requirements or that our products will be replaced by competitive products or alternative technological solutions. Even if we complete our design process in a manner satisfactory to our customer, the customer may delay or terminate its product development efforts. The occurrence of any of these events could cause sales to not materialize, to be deferred, or to be cancelled, which would adversely affect our operating results.
We do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, and their ability to cancel, reduce, or delay orders could reduce our revenue and increase our costs.
Our customers do not provide us with firm, long-term volume purchase commitments, but instead issue purchase orders. As a result, customers can cancel purchase orders or reduce or delay orders at any time. The cancellation, delay, or reduction of customer purchase orders could result in reduced revenue, excess inventory, and unabsorbed overhead. We have an established presence in the notebook computer market and have only recently established a presence in the digital lifestyle products markets. Our success in the digital lifestyle product markets, including those for mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music players, require us to establish the value added by our products to OEMs that have traditionally used other solutions. All of the markets we serve are subject to severe competitive pressures, rapid technological change, and product obsolescence, which increase our inventory and overhead risks, resulting in increased costs.

 

19


Table of Contents

We face intense competition that could result in our losing or failing to gain market share and suffering reduced revenue.
We serve intensely competitive markets that are characterized by price erosion, rapid technological change, and competition from major domestic and international companies. This intense competition could result in pricing pressures, lower sales, reduced margins, and lower market share. Depressed economic conditions, a slowdown in the PC market, the emergence of netbooks, the emergence of new products such as tablet or slate devices, rapid changes in the smartphone and feature phone market, and competitive pressures may result in lower demand for our product solutions, pricing pressures, and reduced unit margins.
Any movement away from high-quality, custom designed, feature-rich human interface solutions to lower priced alternatives would adversely affect our business. Some of our competitors, particularly in the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, have greater market recognition, larger customer bases, and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we possess and that afford them competitive advantages. As a result, they may be able to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of products, to negotiate lower prices for raw materials and components, to deliver competitive products at lower prices, and to introduce new product solutions and respond to customer requirements more quickly than we can. Our competitive position could suffer if one or more of our customers determine not to utilize our custom engineered, total solutions approach and instead decide to design and manufacture their own interfaces, to contract with our competitors, or to use alternative technologies.
Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, both within and outside our control. These factors include the following:
   
our success in designing and introducing new human interface solutions, including those implementing new technologies;
   
our ability to predict the evolving needs of our customers and to assist them in incorporating our technologies into their new products;
   
our ability to meet our customers’ requirements for low power consumption, ease of use, reliability, durability, and small form factor;
   
our ability to meet our customers’ price and performance requirements;
   
the quality of our customer service and support;
   
the rate at which customers incorporate our human interface solutions into their own products;
   
product or technology introductions by our competitors; and
   
foreign currency fluctuations, which may cause a foreign competitor’s products to be priced significantly lower than our product solutions.
If we do not keep pace with technological innovations, our products may not be competitive and our revenue and operating results may suffer.
We operate in rapidly changing markets. Technological advances, the introduction of new products, and new design techniques could adversely affect our business unless we are able to adapt to the changing conditions. Technological advances could render our solutions less competitive or obsolete, and we may not be able to respond effectively to the technological requirements of evolving markets. As a result, we will be required to expend substantial funds for and commit significant resources to:
   
continue research and development activities on existing and potential human interface solutions,
 
   
hire additional engineering and other technical personnel, and
   
purchase advanced design tools and test equipment.
Our business could be harmed if we are unable to develop and utilize new technologies that address the needs of our customers, or our competitors or customers do so more effectively than we do.

 

20


Table of Contents

Our efforts to develop new technologies may not result in commercial success, which could cause a decline in our revenue and could harm our business.
Our research and development efforts with respect to new technologies may not result in customer or market acceptance. Some or all of those technologies may not successfully make the transition from the research and development lab to cost-effective production as a result of technology problems, competitive cost issues, yield problems, and other factors. Even when we successfully complete a research and development effort with respect to a particular technology, our customers may decide not to introduce or may terminate products utilizing the technology for a variety of reasons, including the following:
   
difficulties with other suppliers of components for the products,
   
superior technologies developed by our competitors and unfavorable comparisons of our solutions with these technologies,
   
price considerations, and
   
lack of anticipated or actual market demand for the products.
The nature of our business requires us to make continuing investments for new technologies. Significant expenses relating to one or more new technologies that ultimately prove to be unsuccessful for any reason could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any investments or acquisitions made to enhance our technologies may prove to be unsuccessful. If our efforts are unsuccessful, our business could be harmed.
We may not be able to enhance our existing product solutions and develop new product solutions in a timely manner.
Our future operating results will depend to a significant extent on our ability to continue to provide new human interface solutions that compare favorably with alternative solutions on the basis of time to introduction, cost, performance, and end user preferences. Our success in maintaining existing and attracting new customers and developing new business depends on various factors, including the following:
   
innovative development of new solutions for customer products,
   
utilization of advances in technology,
   
maintenance of quality standards,
   
performance advantages,
   
efficient and cost-effective solutions, and
   
timely completion of the design and introduction of new human interface solutions.
Our OneTouch product offering enables our customers to access our technologies to develop their own human interface designs for capacitive buttons and scrolling applications for products such as mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music and video players, and notebook peripherals. OneTouch may not enable us to achieve our goal of increasing our business with existing customers or attracting new customers. In addition, OneTouch could reduce demand for our custom-designed human interface solutions.
Our inability to enhance our existing product solutions and develop new product solutions on a timely basis could harm our operating results and impede our growth.

 

21


Table of Contents

A technologically new human interface solution that achieves significant market share could harm our business.
Our human interface solutions are designed to integrate touch, handwriting, and vision capabilities. New computing and communications devices could be developed that call for a different interface solution. Existing devices also could be modified to allow for a different interface solution. Our business could be harmed if our products become noncompetitive as a result of a technological breakthrough that allows a new interface solution to displace our solutions and achieve significant market acceptance.
International sales and manufacturing risks could adversely affect our operating results.
Our manufacturing and assembly operations are primarily conducted in China, Taiwan, and Thailand by manufacturing contractors. We have sales and logistics operations in Hong Kong, and sales and engineering design support operations in China, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. These international operations expose us to various economic, political, and other risks that could adversely affect our operations and operating results, including the following:
   
difficulties and costs of staffing and managing a multi-national organization,
   
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements,
   
differing labor regulations,
   
potentially adverse tax consequences,
   
tariffs and duties and other trade barrier restrictions,
   
possible employee turnover or labor unrest,
   
greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable,
   
the burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws,
   
potentially reduced protection for intellectual property rights, and
   
political or economic instability in certain parts of the world.
The risks associated with international operations could negatively affect our operating results.
Our business may suffer if international trade is hindered, disrupted, or economically disadvantaged.
Political and economic conditions abroad may adversely affect the foreign production and sale of our products. Protectionist trade legislation in either the United States or foreign countries, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export or import compliance laws, or other trade policies, could adversely affect our ability to sell human interface solutions in foreign markets and to obtain materials or equipment from foreign suppliers.
Changes in policies by the U.S. or foreign governments resulting in, among other things, higher taxation, currency conversion limitations, restrictions on the transfer of funds, or the expropriation of private enterprises also could have a material adverse effect on us. Any actions by countries in which we conduct business to reverse policies that encourage foreign investment or foreign trade also could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, U.S. trade policies, such as “most favored nation” status and trade preferences for certain Asian nations, could affect the attractiveness of our services to our U.S. customers and adversely impact our operating results.

 

22


Table of Contents

Our operating results could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.
We transact business predominantly in U.S. dollars and bill and collect our sales in U.S. dollars. A weakening of the dollar could cause our overseas vendors to require renegotiation of either the prices or currency we pay for their goods and services. In the future, customers may negotiate pricing and make payments in non-U.S. currencies. For fiscal 2010, approximately 6% of our costs were denominated in non-U.S. currencies, including Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, British pounds, Taiwan dollars, Japanese yen, Korean won, Chinese yuan, and Swiss francs.
If our overseas vendors or customers require us to transact business in non-U.S. currencies, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could affect our cost of goods, operating expenses, and operating margins and could result in exchange losses. In addition, currency devaluation can result in a loss to us if we hold deposits of that currency. Hedging foreign currencies can be difficult, especially if the currency is not freely traded. We cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results. We currently do not hedge any foreign currencies.
A majority of our contract manufacturers are located in China, Taiwan, and Thailand, and most of our customers are located in Asia, increasing the risk that a natural disaster, labor strike, war, or political unrest in those countries or that region would disrupt our operations.
A majority of our contract manufacturers are located in China, Taiwan, and Thailand, and most of our customers are located in Asia. Events outside of our control, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, or other natural disasters, or political unrest, war, labor strikes, or work stoppages in these countries, would disrupt their operations, which would impact our business. The risk of earthquakes in Taiwan is significant because of its proximity to major earthquake fault lines. An earthquake could cause significant delays in shipments of our product solutions until we are able to shift our outsourced operations. Further, a variety of political factors, such as political unrest in Thailand or political tension between North Korea and South Korea, could disrupt our operations and our ability to meet our customers’ production schedules. If any of these events occur, we may not be able to obtain alternative capacity. Failure to secure alternative capacity could cause a delay in the shipment of our product solutions, which would cause our revenue to fluctuate or decline.
Variability of customer requirements resulting in cancellations, reductions, or delays may adversely affect our operating results.
We must provide increasingly rapid product turnaround and respond to ever-shorter lead times. A variety of conditions, both specific to individual customers and generally affecting the demand for OEMs’ products, may cause customers to cancel, reduce, or delay orders. Cancellations, reductions, or delays by a significant customer or by a group of customers may adversely affect our revenue and could require us to repurchase inventory from our contract manufacturers, which could adversely affect our costs. On occasion, customers require rapid increases in production, which can strain our resources and reduce our margins. Although we have been able to obtain increased production capacity from our third-party manufacturers, we may be unable to do so at any given time to meet our customers’ demands if their demands exceed anticipated levels.
Our operating results may experience significant fluctuations that could result in a decline in the price of our stock.
In addition to the variability resulting from the short-term nature of our customers’ commitments, other factors contribute to significant periodic and seasonal quarterly fluctuations in our results of operations. These factors include the following:
   
the cyclicality of the markets we serve;
   
the timing and size of orders;
   
order push-outs or cancellations;
   
the volume of orders relative to our ability to deliver;

 

23


Table of Contents

   
product introductions and market acceptance of new products or new generations of products;
   
evolution in the life cycles of our customers’ products;
   
timing of expenses in anticipation of future orders;
   
changes in product mix;
   
availability of manufacturing and assembly services;
   
availability of necessary components and materials;
   
changes in cost and availability of labor and components;
   
the expanded use of high-cost, third-party components in the products we sell;
   
timely delivery of product solutions to customers;
   
pricing, performance, and availability of competitive products;
   
introduction of new technologies into the markets we serve;
   
emergence of new competitors;
   
pressures on selling prices;
   
the absolute and relative levels of corporate enterprise and consumer notebook purchases;
   
our success in serving new markets; and
   
changes in economic conditions.
Accordingly, you should not rely on period-to-period comparisons as an indicator of our future performance. Negative or unanticipated fluctuations in our operating results may result in a decline in the price of our stock.
If we fail to manage our growth effectively, our infrastructure, management, and resources could be strained, our ability to effectively manage our business could be diminished, and our operating results could suffer.
The failure to manage our growth effectively could strain our resources, which would impede our ability to increase revenue. We have increased the number of our human interface solutions and plan to expand further the number and diversity of our solutions and their use in the future. Our ability to manage our planned diversification and growth effectively will require us to:
   
successfully hire, train, retain, and motivate additional employees, including employees outside the United States;
   
efficiently plan and expand our facilities to meet increased headcount requirements;
   
enhance our global operational, financial, and management infrastructure; and
   
expand our development and production capacity.
In connection with the expansion and diversification of our product and customer base, we are increasing our personnel and making other expenditures to meet demand for our expanding product offerings, including offerings in the notebook computer and digital lifestyle markets. Increases in the demand for our products will require further expansion of our traditional notebook computer business as well as an increasing presence in the digital lifestyle product market, including mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music and video players. To date, our sales of human interface solutions for portable digital music and video players and mobile smartphones and feature phones have varied significantly from quarter to quarter. Risks are further increased because customers do not commit to firm production schedules for more than a short time in advance. Any increase in expenses or investments in infrastructure and facilities in anticipation of future orders that do not materialize would adversely affect our profitability. Our customers also may require rapid increases in design and production services that place an excessive short-term burden on our resources and the resources of our third-party manufacturers. If we cannot manage our growth effectively, our business and results of operations could suffer.

 

24


Table of Contents

We depend on key personnel who would be difficult to replace, and our business will likely be harmed if we lose their services or cannot hire additional qualified personnel.
Our success depends substantially on the efforts and abilities of our senior management and other key personnel. The competition for qualified management and key personnel, especially engineers, is intense. Although we maintain noncompetition and nondisclosure covenants with most of our key personnel and two of our key personnel have a change of control severance agreement, we do not have employment agreements with any of them. The loss of services of one or more of our key employees or the inability to hire, train, and retain key personnel, especially engineers and technical support personnel, and capable sales and customer-support employees outside the United States, could delay the development and sale of our products, disrupt our business, and interfere with our ability to execute our business plan.
Our inability to protect our intellectual property could impair our competitive advantage, reduce our revenue, and increase our costs.
Our success and ability to compete depend in part on our ability to maintain the proprietary aspects of our technologies and products. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality agreements, and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property, but these measures may provide only limited protection. We license from third parties certain technology used in and for our products. These third-party licenses are granted with restrictions, and there can be no assurances that such third-party technology will remain available to us on terms beneficial to us. Our failure to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights or obtain from third parties the right to use necessary technology could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights as fully as do the laws of the United States.
Patents may not issue from the patent applications that we have filed or may file in the future. Our issued patents may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, and claims of our patents may not be of sufficient scope or strength, or issued in the proper geographic regions, to provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage. In addition, certain of our patents will expire within several years.
We have not applied for, and do not have, any copyright registration on our technologies or products. We have applied to register certain of our trademarks in the United States and other countries. There can be no assurance that we will obtain registrations of principle or other trademarks in key markets. Failure to obtain registrations could compromise our ability to protect fully our trademarks and brands and could increase the risk of challenge from third parties to our use of our trademarks and brands.
We do not consistently rely on written agreements with our customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and other recipients of our technologies and products, and therefore some trade secret protection may be lost and our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights may be limited. Additionally, our customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and other recipients of our technologies and products may seek to use our technologies and products without appropriate limitations. In the past, we did not consistently require our employees and consultants to enter into confidentiality, employment, or proprietary information and invention assignment agreements. Therefore, our former employees and consultants may try to claim some ownership interest in our technologies and products and may use our technologies and products competitively and without appropriate limitations.

 

25


Table of Contents

We may be required to incur substantial expenses and divert management attention and resources in defending intellectual property litigation against us.
We may receive notices from third parties that claim our products infringe their rights. From time to time, we receive notice from third parties of the intellectual property rights such parties have obtained. We cannot be certain that our technologies and products do not and will not infringe issued patents or other proprietary rights of others. Any future claims, with or without merit, could result in significant litigation costs and diversion of resources, including the attention of management, and could require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance that such licenses could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or that the terms of any offered licenses would be acceptable to us. If forced to cease using such technology, there can be no assurance that we would be able to develop or obtain alternate technology. Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or failure to obtain necessary licenses could prevent us from manufacturing, using, or selling certain of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Furthermore, parties making such claims could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well as injunctive or other equitable relief that could effectively block our ability to make, use, or sell our products in the United States or abroad. Such a judgment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we are obligated under certain agreements to indemnify the other party in connection with infringement by us of the proprietary rights of third parties. In the event we are required to indemnify parties under these agreements, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may incur substantial expenses and divert management resources in prosecuting others for their unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights.
The markets in which we compete are characterized by frequent litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. Other companies, including our competitors, may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies, duplicate our technologies, or design around our patents and may have or obtain patents or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit, or interfere with our ability to make, use, or sell our products. Effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries in which we operate, such as China and Taiwan. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise use aspects of our technologies and products that we regard as proprietary. There can be no assurance that our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will be adequate or that competitors will not independently develop similar technologies. If our intellectual property protection is insufficient to protect our intellectual property rights, we could face increased competition in the market for our technologies and products.
Should any of our competitors file patent applications or obtain patents that claim inventions also claimed by us, we may choose to participate in an interference proceeding to determine the right to a patent for these inventions because our business would be harmed if we fail to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights. Even if the outcome is favorable, this proceeding could result in substantial cost to us and disrupt our business.
In the future, we also may need to file lawsuits to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. This litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we become subject to product returns and product liability claims resulting from defects in our products, we may fail to achieve market acceptance of our products and our business could be harmed.
We develop complex products in an evolving marketplace and generally warrant our products for a period of 12 months from the date of sale. Despite testing by us and our customers, defects may be found in existing or new products. Manufacturing errors or product defects could result in a delay in recognition or loss of revenue, loss of market share, or failure to achieve market acceptance. Additionally, defects could result in financial or other damages to our customers; cause us to incur significant warranty, support, and repair costs; and divert the attention of our engineering personnel from key product development efforts. In such circumstances, our customers could also seek and obtain damages from us for their losses. A product liability claim brought against us, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time-consuming and costly to defend. The occurrence of such problems would likely harm our business.
Potential strategic alliances may not achieve their objectives, and the failure to do so could impede our growth.
We anticipate that we will enter into strategic alliances. Among other matters, we continually explore strategic alliances designed to enhance or complement our technology or to work in conjunction with our technology; to provide necessary know-how, components, or supplies; and to develop, introduce, and distribute products utilizing our technology. Any strategic alliances may not achieve their intended objectives, and parties to our strategic alliances may not perform as contemplated. The failure of these alliances may impede our ability to introduce new products and enter new markets.

 

26


Table of Contents

Any acquisitions that we undertake could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, and harm our operating results.
We expect to pursue opportunities to acquire other businesses and technologies in order to complement our current human interface solutions, expand the breadth of our markets, enhance our technical capabilities, or otherwise offer growth opportunities. While we have no current definitive agreements underway, we may acquire businesses, products, or technologies in the future. If we make any future acquisitions, we could issue stock that would dilute existing stockholders’ percentage ownership, incur substantial debt, assume contingent liabilities, or experience higher operating expenses. Our experience in acquiring other businesses and technologies is limited. Potential acquisitions also involve numerous risks, including the following:
   
the potential disruption of our core businesses;
   
the potential strain on our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures;
   
potential unknown liabilities associated with the acquired business;
   
unanticipated costs associated with the acquisition;
   
diversion of management’s attention from our core businesses;
   
problems assimilating the purchased operations, technologies, or products;
   
risks associated with entering markets and businesses in which we have little or no prior experience;
   
failure of acquired businesses to achieve expected results;
   
adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;
   
failure to retain key customers, suppliers, or personnel of acquired businesses;
   
the risk of impairment charges related to potential write-downs of acquired assets; and
   
creating uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies, and information systems.
We cannot assure you that we would be successful in overcoming problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions, and our inability to do so could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business.
The valuation of our technology conducted in connection with our international operating structure may be challenged, which could result in additional taxes, interest, and penalties.
In fiscal 2005, we implemented an international operating structure. Under this structure, generally, one of our affiliates licensed from us certain rights to the pre-existing and in-process technology associated with our products for exploitation in all geographic markets except the U.S., Japanese, and Korean markets, which we refer to as “ROW markets.” Our affiliate also acquired ownership of all future economic rights to product sales in ROW markets by entering into an agreement to license certain intangibles and a cost-sharing agreement under which we and our affiliate will share research and development costs in accordance with certain tax rules and regulations. We believe this structure appropriately reflects where our profits are generated and may result in future tax advantages to us, but there can be no assurances that this will be the case.

 

27


Table of Contents

Repatriation of our foreign earnings to the United States or changes in tax laws may adversely affect our future reported tax rates and financial results or the way we conduct our business.
Changes in tax laws may adversely affect our future reported tax rates and financial results or the way we conduct our business. We consider the undistributed operating earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of approximately $220 million as of the end of fiscal 2010, to be indefinitely invested outside the United States and have not provided for U.S. federal and state income taxes that may result from future remittances of those undistributed operating earnings. Proposals to reform U.S. tax laws, including proposals that could reduce or eliminate the deferral of U.S. income tax on our foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings, could require those earnings to be taxed at the U.S. federal income tax rate.
Currently our investments in auction rate securities, or ARS, are not liquid, and we may lose some or all of our principal invested or may be required to further reduce the carrying value if the issuers are not able to meet their payment obligations or if we sell our ARS investments before they recover.
We ended fiscal 2010 with $40.7 million invested in ARS for which the auctions have failed and our investments are not liquid. The carrying value of these investments was $28.0 million, reflecting $16.3 million of other-than-temporary impairment, partially offset by $3.6 million of temporary recovery. If the issuers are not able to meet their payment obligations or if we sell our ARS investments before they recover, we may lose some or all of the principal invested or may be required to further reduce the carrying value. This would adversely affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Legislation affecting the markets in which we participate could adversely affect our ability to implement our growth strategies.
Our ability to expand our business may be adversely impacted by future laws or regulations. Our customers’ products may be subject to laws relating to environmental regulations, communications, encryption technology, electronic commerce, e-signatures, governmental control over content, and privacy. Any of these laws could be expensive to comply with, and the marketability of our products could be adversely affected.
We must finance the growth of our business and the development of new products, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
To remain competitive, we must continue to make significant investments in research and development, marketing, and business development. Our failure to increase sufficiently our net revenue to offset these increased costs would adversely affect our operating results.
From time to time, we may seek additional equity or debt financing to provide for funds required to expand our business. We cannot predict the timing or amount of any such requirements at this time. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may be unable to expand our business or to develop new business at the rate desired and our operating results may suffer. Debt financing increases expenses and must be repaid regardless of operating results. Equity financing could result in additional dilution to existing stockholders.
We consider the undistributed operating earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the United States. If we were to distribute a portion of those earnings to our U.S. parent company to finance our future growth, we would be required to pay U.S. federal and state taxes on the distribution and further may be required to accrue U.S. and state taxes on the remaining undistributed operating earnings, which would adversely affect our tax rate and financial results.
Our target markets are cyclical and may result in fluctuations in our operating results.
The PC and electronics industries have experienced significant economic downturns at various times. These downturns are characterized by diminished product demand, accelerated erosion of average selling prices, and production overcapacity. In addition, the PC and electronics industries are cyclical in nature. We seek to reduce our exposure to industry downturns and cyclicality by providing design and production services for leading companies in rapidly expanding industry segments. We may, however, experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in future operating results because of general industry conditions or events occurring in the general economy.

 

28


Table of Contents

Continuing uncertainty of the U.S. and global economy may have serious implications for the growth and stability of our business and may negatively affect our stock price.
The revenue growth and profitability of our business depends significantly on the overall demand in the notebook computer market and in the markets for digital lifestyle products and other electronic devices, including mobile smartphones and feature phones. Softening demand in these markets caused by ongoing economic uncertainty may result in decreased revenue or earnings levels or growth rates. The U.S. and global economy has been historically cyclical, and market conditions continue to be challenging, which has resulted in individuals and companies delaying or reducing expenditures. Further delays or reductions in spending could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products, and consequently on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, and stock price.
We expect to incur additional expenses in complying with corporate governance and public disclosure requirements.
Changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including SEC regulations, and Nasdaq Global Select Market rules, create uncertainty and increased expenses for companies such as ours. New or changed laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations in many cases due to their lack of specificity and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. We expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. In addition, it may become more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. As a result, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified board members, which could harm our business. If our efforts to comply with new or changed laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, our reputation may be harmed.
The accounting requirements for income taxes on certain of our share-based awards will subject our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates to greater volatility and, consequently, our ability to estimate reasonably our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates is greatly diminished.
We recognize tax benefit upon expensing nonqualified stock options and deferred stock units issued under our share-based compensation plans. However, under current accounting standards, we cannot recognize tax benefit concurrent with expensing incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares (qualified stock options) issued under our share-based compensation plans. For qualified stock options that vested after our adoption of the applicable accounting standards, we recognize the tax benefit only in the period when disqualifying dispositions of the underlying stock occur and, for qualified stock options that vested prior to our adoption of the applicable accounting standards, the tax benefit is recorded directly to additional paid-in capital. Accordingly, because we cannot recognize the tax benefit for share-based compensation expense associated with qualified stock options until the occurrence of future disqualifying dispositions of the underlying stock and such disqualified dispositions may happen in periods when our stock price substantially increases, and because a portion of that tax benefit may be directly recorded to additional paid-in capital, our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates will be subject to greater volatility and, consequently, our ability to estimate reasonably our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates is greatly diminished.
Future changes in financial accounting standards or practices may cause adverse unexpected fluctuations and affect our reported results of operations.
A change in accounting standards or practices could have a significant effect on our reported results of operations. New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred in the past and may occur in the future. Changes to existing rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business. For example, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued specific accounting standards requiring us to recognize all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, restricted stock, and deferred stock units, in the financial statements based on their grant date fair value eliminating the pro forma footnote disclosures that were allowed as an alternative to financial statement recognition. This requirement, while not affecting our cash flow, has adversely affected our reported financial results and impaired our ability to provide guidance on our future reported financial results as a result of the variability of the factors used to establish the grant date fair value of stock options and the accounting for income taxes thereon.

 

29


Table of Contents

Our charter documents and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, and discourage a takeover.
Our certificate of incorporation and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying attempts by others to obtain control of our company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of our stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation also authorizes our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting and conversion rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock. Delaware law also imposes conditions on certain business combination transactions with “interested stockholders.” Our certificate of incorporation divides our Board of Directors into three classes, with one class to stand for election each year for a three-year term after the election. The classification of directors tends to discourage a third party from initiating a proxy solicitation or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company and may maintain the incumbency of our Board of Directors, as this structure generally increases the difficulty of, or may delay, replacing a majority of directors. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to fill vacancies or newly created directorships. A majority of the directors then in office may elect a successor to fill any vacancies or newly created directorships.
Our stockholders’ rights plan may adversely affect existing stockholders.
Our stockholders’ rights plan also may have the effect of deterring, delaying, or preventing a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. In general, stock purchase rights issued under the rights plan become exercisable when a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock or a tender offer or exchange offer of 15% or more of our common stock is announced or commenced. After any such event, our other stockholders may purchase additional shares of our common stock at 50% of the then-current market price. The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors. The rights should not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by our board of directors as the rights may be redeemed by us at $0.01 per stock purchase right at any time before any person or group acquires 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. The rights expire in August 2012.
Sales of large numbers of shares could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
As of August 6, 2010, all of the 34,465,254 shares of our common stock outstanding were eligible for resale in the public markets. Of these shares, 9,102,206 shares held by affiliates were eligible for resale in the public markets subject to compliance with the volume and manner of sale rules of Rules 144 or 701 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the balance of the shares were eligible for resale in the public markets as unrestricted shares. In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, any person (or persons whose shares are aggregated for purposes of Rule 144) who is deemed an affiliate of our company and beneficially owns restricted securities with respect to which at least six months has elapsed since the later of the date the shares were acquired from us, or from an affiliate of ours, is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the average weekly trading volume in common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Sales by affiliates under Rule 144 also are subject to certain manner-of-sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701, as currently in effect, permits our employees, officers, directors, and consultants who purchase shares pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract to resell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without compliance with specific restrictions. Rule 701 provides that affiliates may sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirement and non-affiliates may sell their shares in reliance on Rule 144 without complying with the holding period, public information, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144. A person who is not an affiliate, who has not been an affiliate within three months prior to sale, and who beneficially owns restricted securities with respect to which at least one year has elapsed since the later of the date the shares were acquired from us, or from an affiliate of ours, is entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144 without regard to any of the volume limitations or other requirements described above. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices.

 

30


Table of Contents

We have registered an aggregate of $100 million of common stock and preferred stock for issuance in connection with acquisitions, which shares generally will be freely tradeable after their issuance under Rule 145 of the Securities Act, unless held by an affiliate of the acquired company, in which case such shares will be subject to the volume and manner of sale restrictions of Rule 144 discussed above. The issuance or subsequent sale of these shares in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices.
We have registered an aggregate of $250 million of common stock (including the associated rights), preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts, and units (collectively “securities”) for issuance to raise funds for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness outstanding from time to time, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and repurchases of our common stock or other securities. Securities issued under the shelf registration generally will be freely tradeable after their issuance unless held by an affiliate of our company, in which case such shares will be subject to the volume and manner of sale restrictions of Rule 144.
We have registered for offer and sale the shares of common stock that are reserved for issuance pursuant to our outstanding share-based compensation plans. Shares issued in connection with our share-based compensation plans generally will be eligible for sale in the public market, except that affiliates will continue to be subject to volume limitations and other requirements of Rule 144. The issuance or subsequent sale of such shares could depress the market price of our common stock.
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, including the following:
   
variations in our quarterly results;
   
the financial guidance we may provide to the public, any changes in such guidance, or our failure to meet such guidance;
   
changes in financial estimates by industry or securities analysts or our failure to meet such estimates;
   
various market factors or perceived market factors, including rumors, whether or not correct, involving us, our customers, our suppliers, or our competitors;
   
announcements of technological innovations by us or by our competitors;
   
introductions of new products or new pricing policies by us or by our competitors;
   
acquisitions or strategic alliances by us or by our competitors;
   
recruitment or departure of key personnel;
   
the gain or loss of significant orders;
   
the gain or loss of significant customers;
   
market conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers, and the economy as a whole;
   
hedging activities by investors holding positions in our convertible senior subordinated notes;
   
short positions held by investors; and
   
general financial market conditions or occurrences.
In addition, stocks of technology companies have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to these companies’ operating performance. Public announcements by technology companies concerning, among other things, their performance, accounting practices, or legal problems could cause the market price of our common stock to decline regardless of our actual operating performance.

 

31


Table of Contents

ITEM 1B.  
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.  
PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices as well as our principal research, development, sales, marketing, and administrative functions are located in our 70,000 square foot facility in Santa Clara, California and an adjacent 64,000 square foot facility. In New York, we lease approximately 10,000 square feet used for research and development. Our Asia/Pacific headquarters are located in Hong Kong where we lease approximately 16,000 square feet of space. We also maintain approximately 22,000 square feet of office space in Taiwan, approximately 14,000 square feet of office space in China, approximately 6,000 square feet of office space in Japan, approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in Korea, and less than 1,000 square feet of office space in Switzerland. We have satellite sales support offices in Finland, Singapore, Thailand, and Texas.
ITEM 3.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4.  
RESERVED
Not applicable.

 

32


Table of Contents

PART II
ITEM 5.  
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information on Common Stock
Our common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (formerly on the Nasdaq National Market) under the symbol “SYNA” since January 29, 2002. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices of our common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
                 
    High     Low  
 
 
Fiscal 2009:
               
 
               
First quarter(1)
  $ 36.95     $ 24.96  
Second quarter
  $ 31.98     $ 13.85  
Third quarter
  $ 27.84     $ 14.11  
Fourth quarter
  $ 40.94     $ 23.03  
 
               
Fiscal 2010:
               
 
               
First quarter
  $ 38.65     $ 23.97  
Second quarter
  $ 29.64     $ 20.97  
Third quarter
  $ 33.16     $ 25.06  
Fourth quarter
  $ 33.35     $ 26.31  
 
     
(1)  
All share amounts reflect the 3-for-2 stock split effected as a stock dividend and paid on August 29, 2008.
Stockholders
As of August 6, 2010, there were approximately 210 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently plan to retain any earnings to finance the growth of our business, purchase shares under our common stock purchase program, or purchase and retire our outstanding notes rather than to pay cash dividends. Payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
Our revolving line of credit also places restrictions on the payment of any dividends.

 

33


Table of Contents

Performance Graph
The following line graph compares cumulative total stockholder returns for the five years ended fiscal 2010 for (i) our common stock, (ii) the Nasdaq Composite Index, and (iii) the Nasdaq Computer Index. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on June 25, 2005. The calculations of cumulative stockholder return on the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Computer Index include reinvestment of dividends. The calculation of cumulative stockholder return on our common stock does not include reinvestment of dividends because we did not pay any dividends during the measurement period. The historical performance shown is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
The performance graph above shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. The performance graph above will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing of our company under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.

 

34


Table of Contents

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following presents selected financial data for each fiscal year in the five-year period ended fiscal 2010. Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in June. Fiscal 2007 was a 53-week period and the other fiscal years presented were 52-week periods. As our past operating results are not necessarily indicative of our future operating results, you should read the selected financial data below in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report.
                                         
    2006*     2007*     2008*     2009*     2010  
    (in thousands, except for per share data)  
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
                                       
Net revenue
  $ 184,557     $ 266,787     $ 361,057     $ 473,302     $ 514,890  
Cost of revenue
    101,704       160,913       213,606       281,793       306,188  
 
                             
Gross margin
    82,853       105,874       147,451       191,509       208,702  
 
                             
Operating expenses:
                                       
Research and development
    35,356       39,386       50,093       68,026       86,552  
Selling, general, and administrative
    28,019       36,247       48,126       54,014       60,027  
Restructuring
          915                    
 
                             
Total operating expenses
    63,375       76,548       98,219       122,040       146,579  
 
                             
Operating income
    19,478       29,326       49,232       69,469       62,123  
Interest income, net
    (657 )     1,809       (110 )     (3,831 )     (1,423 )
Other charges or expenses
                (8,274 )     (10,296 )     (443 )
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    18,821       31,135       40,848       55,342       60,257  
Provision for income taxes
    9,118       8,953       14,485       7,263       7,292  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 9,703     $ 22,182     $ 26,363     $ 48,079     $ 52,965  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income per share:
                                       
Basic(1)
  $ 0.26     $ 0.58     $ 0.70     $ 1.41     $ 1.57  
 
                             
Diluted(1)
  $ 0.24     $ 0.55     $ 0.67     $ 1.35     $ 1.50  
 
                             
 
                                       
Shares used in computing net income per share:
                                       
Basic(1)
    37,062       38,337       37,667       33,981       33,836  
 
                             
Diluted(1)
    39,902       40,536       39,365       35,577       35,423  
 
                             
 
                                       
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments
  $ 245,176     $ 265,017     $ 146,516     $ 191,970     $ 209,858  
Working capital
    257,788       299,921       189,851       159,693       228,534  
Total assets
    330,434       372,425       305,249       376,150       414,679  
Current debt
          1,500             63,234        
Long-term debt
    97,811       103,867       112,089             2,305  
Treasury shares, at cost
    39,999       72,345       237,387       237,387       281,932  
Total stockholders’ equity
    183,568       220,261       121,214       222,606       286,511  
 
     
(1)  
All share and per share amounts reflect the 3-for-2 stock split effected as a stock dividend and paid on August 29, 2008.
 
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash.
Our basic net income per share amounts for each period presented have been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Our diluted net income per share amounts for each period presented include the weighted average effect of potentially dilutive shares. We used the “treasury stock” method to determine the dilutive effect of our stock options, deferred stock units, and convertible notes. Under the treasury stock method, shares associated with our convertible notes are included in the calculation of diluted net income per share only if the weighted average price of our common stock exceeds $33.69 during the reporting period. Prior to fiscal 2008, we used the “if converted” method for our convertible notes and 3,711,000, and 3,062,000 diluted shares were included in the calculation of diluted net income per share in fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

35


Table of Contents

ITEM 7.  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Results
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Overview
We are a leading worldwide developer and supplier of custom-designed human interface solutions that enable people to interact more easily and intuitively with a wide variety of mobile computing, communications, entertainment, and other electronic devices. We believe our results to date reflect the combination of our customer focus, the strength of our intellectual property, and our engineering know-how, which allow us to develop or engineer products that meet the demanding design specifications of OEMs.
We recognize revenue from product sales when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or title has transferred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Our net revenue increased from $184.6 million for fiscal 2006 to $514.9 million for fiscal 2010, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 29%. For fiscal 2006, we derived 85% of our net revenue from the personal computer market. For fiscal 2010, revenue from the personal computer market accounted for 59% of our net revenue.
Many of our customers have migrated their manufacturing operations from Taiwan to China, and many of our OEM customers have established design centers in that region. With our expanded global presence, including offices in Canada, China, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United States, we are well positioned to provide local sales, operational, and engineering support services to our existing customers, as well as potential new customers, on a global basis.
Our manufacturing operations are based on a variable cost model in which we outsource all of our production requirements and generally drop ship our products directly to our customers from our contract manufacturers’ facilities, eliminating the need for significant capital expenditures and allowing us to minimize our investment in inventories. This approach requires us to work closely with our contract manufacturers to ensure adequate production capacity to meet our forecasted volume requirements. We provide our contract manufacturers with six-month rolling forecasts and issue purchase orders based on our anticipated requirements for the next 90 days. However, we do not have any long-term supply contracts with any of our contract manufacturers. We use three third-party wafer manufacturers to supply wafers and two third-party packaging manufacturers to package our proprietary ASICs. In certain cases, we rely on a single source or a limited number of suppliers to provide other key components of our products. Our cost of revenue includes all costs associated with the production of our products, including materials, logistics, manufacturing, assembly, and test costs paid to third-party manufacturers and related overhead costs associated with our indirect manufacturing operations personnel. Additionally, we charge all warranty costs, yield losses, and any inventory provisions or write-downs to cost of revenue.
Our gross margin generally reflects the combination of the added value we bring to our OEM customers’ products in meeting their custom design requirements and the impact of our ongoing cost-improvement programs. These cost-improvement programs include reducing materials and component costs and implementing design and process improvements. Our newly introduced products may have lower margins than our more mature products, which have realized greater benefits associated with our ongoing cost-improvement programs. As a result, new product introductions may initially negatively impact our gross margin.
Our research and development expenses include costs for supplies and materials related to product development, as well as the engineering costs incurred to design human interface solutions for OEM customers prior to and after their commitment to incorporate those solutions into their products. These expenses have generally increased, reflecting our continuing commitment to the technological and design innovation required to maintain our position in our existing markets and to adapt our existing technologies or develop new technologies for new markets.

 

36


Table of Contents

Selling, general, and administrative expenses include expenses related to sales, marketing, and administrative personnel; internal sales and outside sales representatives’ commissions; market and usability research; outside legal, accounting, and consulting costs; and other marketing and sales activities. These expenses have generally increased, primarily reflecting incremental staffing and related support costs associated with our increased business levels, growth in our existing markets, and penetration into new markets.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, cost of revenue, inventories, product warranty, provision for income taxes, income taxes payable, intangible assets, and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience, applicable laws, and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The methods, estimates, interpretations, and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies can have a significant impact on the results that we report in our consolidated financial statements. The SEC considers an entity’s most critical accounting policies to be those policies that are both most important to the portrayal of the entity’s financial condition and results of operations and those that require the entity’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make assumptions and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue from product sales when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or title has transferred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. We accrue for estimated sales returns and other allowances, based on historical experience, at the time we recognize revenue.
Investments
Accounting standards require us to record available-for-sale securities at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being reported as a component of other comprehensive income. We follow the accounting standards to assess whether our investments with loss positions are other-than-temporarily impaired. We follow the hierarchal approach established under the accounting standards to determine fair value of our investments, which we adopted at the beginning of fiscal 2009.
The accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Our fair value estimates consider, among other factors, the collateral underlying the security investments, creditworthiness of the counterparty, timing of expected future cash flows, and, in the case of auction rate securities, or ARS investments, the probability of a successful auction in a future period. We follow the guidance provided to estimate fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability, and to determine circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.
Further, we use judgment in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is temporary or other-than-temporary and consider the following indicators: changes in credit ratings or asset quality; changes in the economic environment; length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis; changes in market conditions; changes in expected cash flows. We do not intend to sell the investments and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis. Temporary declines in fair value are recorded as charges to accumulated other comprehensive income in the equity section of our balance sheet, while other-than-temporary declines in fair value are bifurcated between credit losses, which are charged to earnings, and noncredit losses, which depending on facts and circumstances may be charged to other comprehensive income or earnings.

 

37


Table of Contents

Inventory
We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market. We base our assessment of the ultimate realization of inventories on our projections of future demand and market conditions. Sudden declines in demand, rapid product improvements, or technological changes, or any combination of these factors can cause us to have excess or obsolete inventories. On an ongoing basis, we review for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventories and write down our inventories to their net realizable value based upon our forecasts of future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than our forecasts, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The following factors influence our estimates: changes to or cancellations of customer orders, unexpected decline in demand, rapid product improvements and technological advances, and termination or changes by our OEM customers of any product offerings incorporating our product solutions.
Periodically, we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers when a customer delays its delivery schedule or cancels its order. In those circumstances in which our customer has cancelled its order and we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers, we consider a write-down to reduce the carrying value of the inventory purchased to its net realizable value. We charge write-downs to reduce the carrying value of obsolete, slow moving, and non-usable inventory to net realizable value to cost of revenue. The effect of these write-downs is to establish a new cost basis in the related inventory, which we do not subsequently write up.
Share-Based Compensation Costs
We account for employee share-based compensation costs in accordance with relevant accounting standards. We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of employee share-based compensatory awards, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility and expected life. Historical and implied volatilities were used in estimating the fair value of our share-based awards, while the expected life for our options was estimated based on historical trends since our initial public offering. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measure of estimated fair value of our share-based compensation. Further, as required under relevant accounting standards, we estimate forfeitures for share-based awards that are not expected to vest. We charge the estimated fair value less estimated forfeitures to earnings on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the underlying awards, which is generally four years for our stock options and deferred stock units and up to two years for our employee stock purchase plan.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. As our stock option and employee stock purchase plan awards have characteristics that differ significantly from traded options, and as changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, our estimate of fair value may not accurately represent the value assigned by a third party in an arms-length transaction. There currently is no market-based mechanism to verify the reliability and accuracy of the estimates derived from the Black-Scholes option pricing model or other allowable valuation models, nor is there a means to compare and adjust the estimates to actual values. While our estimate of fair value and the associated charge to earnings materially affects our results of operations, it has no impact on our cash position.
There are significant variations among allowable valuation models, and there is a possibility that we may adopt a different valuation model or refine the inputs and assumptions under our current valuation model in the future, resulting in a lack of consistency in future periods. Our current or future valuation model and the inputs and assumptions we make may also lack comparability to other companies that use different models, inputs, or assumptions, and the resulting differences in comparability could be material.
Income Taxes
We recognize federal, foreign, and state current tax liabilities or assets based on our estimate of taxes payable or refundable in the then current fiscal year for each tax jurisdiction. We also recognize federal, foreign, and state deferred tax liabilities or assets for our estimate of future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards and record a valuation allowance to reduce any deferred tax assets by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence and our judgment, are not expected to be realized. If our assumptions, and consequently our estimates, change in the future, the valuation allowance we have established for our deferred tax assets may be changed, which could impact income tax expense.

 

38


Table of Contents

We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of highly complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, result of operations, or cash flows. We believe we have adequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes in connection with the resolution of income tax uncertainties. However, our results have in the past, and could in the future, include favorable and unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period a determination of such estimated tax liability is made or resolved, upon the filing of an amended return, upon a change in facts, circumstances, or interpretation, or upon the expiration of a statute of limitation. Accordingly, our effective tax rate could fluctuate materially from period to period.
We recognize tax benefit upon expensing nonqualified stock options and deferred stock units issued under our share-based compensation plans. However, under current accounting standards, we cannot recognize tax benefit concurrent with expensing incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares (qualified stock options) issued under our share-based compensation plans. For qualified stock options that vested after our adoption of new accounting standards, we recognize tax benefit only in the period when disqualifying dispositions of the underlying stock occur, which historically has been up to several years after vesting and in periods when our stock price substantially increases. For qualified stock options that vested prior to our adoption of new accounting standards, we record the tax benefit directly to additional paid-in capital. Accordingly, because we cannot recognize the tax benefit for share-based compensation expense associated with qualified stock options until the occurrence of future disqualifying dispositions of the underlying stock and such disqualified dispositions may happen in periods when our stock price substantially increases, and because a portion of that tax benefit may be directly recorded to additional paid-in capital, our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates will be subject to greater volatility and, consequently, our ability to estimate reasonably our future quarterly and annual effective tax rates is greatly diminished.

 

39


Table of Contents

Results of Operations
The following sets forth certain of our consolidated statements of income data for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, along with comparative information regarding the absolute and percentage changes in these amounts (in thousands, except percentages):
                                                                 
    2009*     2010     $ Change     % Change     2008*     2009*     $ Change     % Change  
 
                                                               
PC applications
  $ 269,595     $ 305,737     $ 36,142       13.4 %   $ 272,796     $ 269,595     $ (3,201 )     (1.2 %)
Digital lifestyle product applications
    203,707       209,153       5,446       2.7 %     88,261       203,707       115,446       130.8 %
 
                                                   
Net revenue
    473,302       514,890       41,588       8.8 %     361,057       473,302       112,245       31.1 %
 
                                                   
 
                                                               
Gross margin
    191,509       208,702       17,193       9.0 %     147,451       191,509       44,058       29.9 %
 
                                                   
 
                                                               
Operating expenses:
                                                               
Research and development
    68,026       86,552       18,526       27.2 %     50,093       68,026       17,933       35.8 %
Selling, general, and administrative
    54,014       60,027       6,013       11.1 %     48,126       54,014       5,888       12.2 %
 
                                                   
 
                                                               
Income from operations
    69,469       62,123       (7,346 )     (10.6 %)     49,232       69,469       20,237       41.1 %
 
                                                   
 
                                                               
Interest income
    3,222       977       (2,245 )     (69.7 %)     9,652       3,222       (6,430 )     (66.6 %)
Interest expense
    (7,053 )     (2,400 )     4,653       (66.0 %)     (9,762 )     (7,053 )     2,709       (27.8 %)
Gain on settlement of debt
                      n/m (1)     2,689             (2,689 )     (100.0 %)
Loss on early retirement of debt
    (1,053 )           1,053       (100.0 %)           (1,053 )     (1,053 )     n/m (1)
Impairment of investment, net
    (9,243 )     (443 )     8,800       (95.2 %)     (10,963 )     (9,243 )     1,720       (15.7 %)
 
                                                   
Income before provision for income taxes
    55,342       60,257       4,915       8.9 %     40,848       55,342       14,494       35.5 %
Provision for income taxes
    7,263       7,292       29       0.4 %     14,485       7,263       (7,222 )     (49.9 %)
 
                                                   
Net income
  $ 48,079     $ 52,965     $ 4,886       10.2 %   $ 26,363     $ 48,079     $ 21,716       82.4 %
 
                                                   
 
     
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash.
 
 
(1)  
not meaningful
The following sets forth certain of our consolidated statements of income data as a percentage of revenues for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010:
                                                 
                    Percentage                     Percentage  
                    Point                     Point  
                    Increase                     Increase  
    2009     2010     (Decrease)     2008     2009     (Decrease)  
 
                                               
PC applications
    57.0 %     59.4 %     2.4 %     75.6 %     57.0 %     (18.6 %)
Digital lifestyle product applications
    43.0 %     40.6 %     (2.4 %)     24.4 %     43.0 %     18.6 %
 
                                       
Net revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %             100.0 %     100.0 %        
 
                                               
Gross margin
    40.5 %     40.5 %     0.0 %     40.8 %     40.5 %     (0.3 %)
 
                                       
 
                                               
Operating expenses:
                                               
Research and development
    14.4 %     16.8 %     2.4 %     13.9 %     14.4 %     0.5 %
Selling, general, and administrative
    11.4 %     11.7 %     0.3 %     13.3 %     11.4 %     (1.9 %)
 
                                               
Income from operations
    14.7 %     12.1 %     (2.6 %)     13.6 %     14.7 %     1.1 %
 
                                       
Income before provision for income taxes
    11.7 %     11.7 %     0.0 %     11.3 %     11.7 %     0.4 %
 
                                       
Provision for income taxes
    1.5 %     1.4 %     (0.1 %)     4.0 %     1.5 %     (2.5 %)
 
                                       
Net income
    10.2 %     10.3 %     0.1 %     7.3 %     10.2 %     2.9 %
 
                                       

 

40


Table of Contents

Fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009
Net Revenue.
Net revenue was $514.9 million for fiscal 2010 compared with $473.3 million for fiscal 2009, an increase of $41.6 million, or 8.8%. Of our fiscal 2010 net revenue, $305.7 million, or 59.4%, of net revenue was from the personal computing market and $209.2 million, or 40.6%, of net revenue was from the digital lifestyle products markets, including $177.4 million from mobile smartphones and feature phones. The increase in net revenue for fiscal 2010 was attributable to a $36.2 million, or 13.4%, increase in net revenue from PC applications, and a $5.4 million, or 2.7%, increase in net revenue from digital lifestyle product applications. The overall increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to a 26.1% increase in unit shipments reflecting higher market penetration of our products in the personal computing and digital lifestyle markets, partially offset by lower priced product mix, general competitive pricing pressure, a decline in portable digital entertainment device revenue, and a reduced attach rate of our multimedia control solutions in notebook computers.
Based on industry estimates of unit shipments, the notebook market is anticipated to increase approximately 29% and the mobile smartphone market is anticipated to increase approximately 28% from 2009 to 2010.
Gross Margin.
Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue was 40.5%, or $208.7 million, for fiscal 2010 compared with 40.5%, or $191.5 million, for fiscal 2009. As each custom-designed module we sell utilizes our capacitive sensing technology in a design that is generally unique or specific to an OEM customer’s application, gross margin varies on a product-by-product basis, making our cumulative gross margin a blend of our product specific designs and independent of the vertical markets that our products serve. As a virtual manufacturer, our gross margin percentage is generally not impacted materially by our shipment volume. We charge write-downs to reduce the carrying value of obsolete, slow moving, and non-usable inventory to net realizable value, including warranty costs, to cost of revenue.
Operating Expenses.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased as a percentage of net revenue to 16.8% from 14.4%, and the cost of research and development activities increased $18.5 million, or 27.2%, to $86.6 million fiscal 2010 compared with $68.0 million for fiscal 2009. The increase in research and development expenses primarily reflected a $9.1 million increase in employee compensation and employment related costs, resulting from a 16% increase in research and development staffing, increased base compensation related to our annual performance review process, a $5.4 million increase in share-based compensation costs due to a $1.5 million cumulative correction to share-based compensation expense in research and development (see note 9 in the notes to consolidated financial statements) as well as grants made during the year, and a $2.1 million increase in facility related costs to support the increased headcount.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of net revenue to 11.7% from 11.4%, and the cost of selling, general, and administrative activities increased $6.0 million, or 11.1%, to $60.0 million fiscal 2010 compared with $54.0 million for fiscal 2009. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily reflected a $4.9 million increase in share-based compensation costs due to a $2.7 million cumulative correction to share-based compensation expense in selling, general, and administrative expenses (see note 9 in the notes to consolidated financial statements) as well as grants made during the year, and a $2.4 million increase in employee compensation and employment related costs, resulting from a 14% increase in selling, general and administrative staffing, increased base compensation related to our annual performance review process, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in legal fees related to patent litigation settled in fiscal 2009.
Operating Income.
We generated operating income of $62.1 million, or 12.1% of net revenue, for fiscal 2010, a decrease of $7.4 million compared with $69.5 million, or 14.7% of net revenue, for fiscal 2009. As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to a $24.5 million increase in our operating expenses, partially offset by an increase operating leverage, resulting from the 8.8% increase in net revenue.
Non-Operating Income/(Loss).
Interest Income. Interest income was $1.0 million for fiscal 2010 compared with $3.2 million for fiscal 2009. The $2.2 million decrease in interest income resulted from lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average invested cash balances.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $2.4 million and $7.1 million for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, and consisted primarily of interest expense, and amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs related to our convertible senior subordinated notes issued in December 2004. The decline in interest expense primarily reflected the retirement of $63.0 million in principal amount of our convertible notes in December 2009.

 

41


Table of Contents

Impairment of Investments. A portion of our ARS investments were converted to auction rate preferred stock, and we have seen a decline in the credit ratings for certain of our ARS investments. Accordingly, based on our fair value analysis and taking into account the period of time the fair value has been less than our cost. For fiscal 2010, we reduced the carrying value of our ARS investments by $443,000 compared with $9.2 million for fiscal 2009 through an other-than-temporary impairment charge to income.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for each of fiscal 2010 and 2009 was approximately $7.3 million. The income tax provision represented estimated federal, foreign, and state taxes for fiscal 2010 and 2009. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 was approximately 12.1% and diverged from the combined federal and state statutory rate, primarily as a result of an increase in profits in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the recognition of tax benefit on the carryback of a prior year net operating loss of $1.8 million, partially offset by the impact of accounting for share-based compensation, foreign withholding taxes, and a write-down of state deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was approximately 13.1% and diverged from the combined federal and state statutory rate primarily as a result of an increase in profits in lower tax rate jurisdictions, the incremental research credits associated with stock option activity, the extension of the federal research credit, and tax-exempt interest income, partially offset by the impact of accounting for share-based compensation and foreign withholding taxes.
Tax benefit associated with total share-based compensation was approximately $8.0 million and $9.6 million for fiscal 2009 and 2010, respectively. Excluding the impact of share-based compensation and the related tax benefit, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 and 2009 would have been 17.7% and 19.1%, respectively.
Fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008
Net Revenue.
Net revenue was $473.3 million for fiscal 2009 compared with $361.1 million for fiscal 2008, an increase of $112.2 million, or 31.1%. Of our fiscal 2009 net revenue, $269.6 million, or 57.0%, of net revenue was from the personal computing market and $203.7 million, or 43.0%, of net revenue was from the digital lifestyle products markets, including $166.3 million from mobile smartphones and feature phones. The increase in net revenue for fiscal 2009 was attributable to a $115.4 million, or 130.8%, increase in net revenue from digital lifestyle product applications, partially offset by a $3.2 million, or 1.2%, reduction in net revenue from PC applications. Digital lifestyle product application net revenue growth resulted primarily from higher market penetration of our products in the mobile smartphone market. The decline in PC applications net revenue reflected the combination of the general weakness in the notebook market as a result of the global economic downturn and a reduced attach rate of our multimedia control solutions in notebook computers, partially offset by market share gains in notebooks. The overall increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to a 15% increase in unit shipments, reflecting the notebook market share gain, higher market penetration of our products in the mobile smartphone market, and an overall higher-priced product mix, which included our ClearTouch screen solutions, partially offset by general competitive pricing pressure.

 

42


Table of Contents

Gross Margin.
Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue was 40.5%, or $191.5 million, for fiscal 2009 compared with 40.8%, or $147.5 million, for fiscal 2008. As each custom-designed module we sell utilizes our capacitive sensing technology in a design that is generally unique or specific to an OEM customer’s application, gross margin varies on a product-by-product basis, making our cumulative gross margin a blend of our product specific designs and independent of the vertical markets that our products serve. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net revenue primarily reflected a lower margin product mix and general competitive pricing pressure. As a virtual manufacturer, our gross margin percentage is generally not impacted materially by our shipment volume.
Operating Expenses.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased as a percentage of net revenue to 14.4% from 13.9%, while the cost of research and development activities increased $17.9 million, or 35.8%, to $68.0 million for fiscal 2009 compared with $50.1 million for fiscal 2008. The increase in research and development expenses primarily reflected a $12.2 million increase in employee compensation and employment related costs, resulting from a 34% increase in research and development staffing, increased base compensation related to our annual performance review process, increased share-based compensation costs, increased employee benefits costs, and increased incentive compensation costs; a $3.6 million increase in infrastructure and support costs; and a $1.4 million increase in consulting and outside service costs. Non-cash share-based compensation costs included in research and development expenses were $6.3 million, or 1.8% of net revenue, and $8.9 million, or 1.9% of net revenue, for fiscal 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenue to 11.4% from 13.3%, while the cost of selling, general, and administrative activities increased $5.9 million, or 12.2%, to $54.0 million for fiscal 2009 compared with $48.1 million for fiscal 2008. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily reflected a $7.8 million increase in employee compensation and employment related costs, resulting from a 13% increase in selling, general, and administrative staffing, increased share-based compensation costs, increased base compensation related to our annual performance review process, increased incentive compensation costs, and increased employee development costs, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in consulting and outside service costs and a $900,000 decrease in professional service fees. Non-cash share-based compensation costs included in selling, general, and administrative expenses were $10.1 million, or 2.8% of net revenue, and $13.8 million, or 2.9% of net revenue, for fiscal 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Operating Income.
We generated operating income of $69.5 million, or 14.7% of net revenue, for fiscal 2009, an increase of $20.2 million compared with $49.2 million, or 13.6% of net revenue, for fiscal 2008. As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the increase in operating income was primarily attributable to an increase in operating leverage, resulting from the 31.1% increase in net revenue, partially offset by a 30 basis point decrease in our gross margin percentage and a $23.8 million increase in our operating expenses.
Non-Operating Income/(Loss).
Interest Income. Interest income was $3.2 million for fiscal 2009 compared with $9.7 million for fiscal 2008. The $6.4 million decrease in interest income resulted from a combination of lower average invested cash balances and lower average interest rates. The decrease in average invested cash balances during fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to the use of $55.7 million for the early retirement of debt and $9.3 million for capital expenditures.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $9.8 million and $7.1 million for fiscal 2008 and 2009, respectively, and consisted primarily of interest expense, and amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount related to our convertible senior subordinated notes issued in December 2004. The decline in interest expense primarily reflected the retirement of $59.7 million in principal amount of our convertible notes during the year.

 

43


Table of Contents

Gain on Settlement of Debt. In fiscal 1998, National Semiconductor Corporation, or National, loaned us $1.5 million under a limited-recourse note, which we utilized to purchase 900,000 Series A preferred shares of Foveon, Inc. or Foveon. In fiscal 1998, under the equity method of accounting, we recorded our share of losses incurred by Foveon and reduced the carrying value of our equity investment to zero. The note plus accrued interest of $1.2 million came due in August 2007, and, in accordance with the security agreement, we surrendered the 900,000 Series A preferred shares securing the note to National in full settlement of the principal and accrued interest. Consequently, we recognized a non-operating gain upon settlement of debt in the amount of $2.7 million in fiscal 2008.
Loss on Early Retirement of Debt. In fiscal 2009, we repurchased and retired $59.7 million of our outstanding convertible notes at a discount of approximately 7%. This resulted in a $1.1 million net loss on retirement of debt after deducting the associated unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs.
Impairment of Investments. In fiscal 2005, we participated in an equity financing, receiving 3,900,000 Series E preferred shares of Foveon for a cash investment of $4.0 million. We accounted for our Series E preferred shares of Foveon under the cost method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 18 and EITF Issues No. 02-14 and No. 03-1 because the investment is not “in-substance common stock.” In September 2007, we determined there was an other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying value of our investment in Foveon, as a result of liquidity visibility and liquidation preferences for the most recent preferred equity round, in which we did not participate. Consequently, we recognized a $4.0 million other-than-temporary impairment charge. In November 2008, Foveon was acquired by an unrelated party and we received no proceeds.
A portion of our auction rate securities, or ARS, investments, were converted to auction rate preferred stock, and we have seen a decline in the credit ratings for certain of our ARS investments. Accordingly, based on our fair value analysis and taking into account the period of time the fair value has been less than our cost. For fiscal 2009, we reduced the carrying value of our ARS investments by $9.2 million compared with $7.0 million for fiscal 2008 through an other-than-temporary impairment charge to income.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for fiscal 2009 was approximately $7.3 million compared with $14.5 million for fiscal 2008, reflecting higher pre-tax profits in lower tax rate jurisdictions, partially offset by an increase of valuation allowance related to impairment charges on certain investments. The income tax provision represented estimated federal, foreign, and state taxes for fiscal 2008 and 2009. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was approximately 13.1% and diverged from the combined federal and state statutory rate, primarily as a result of an increase in profits in lower tax rate jurisdictions, the incremental research credits associated with stock option activity, and the extension of the federal research credit, and tax-exempt interest income, partially offset by the impact of accounting for share-based compensation and foreign withholding taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was approximately 35.5% and diverged from the combined federal and state statutory rate primarily as a result of the incremental research credits associated with stock option activity and tax-exempt interest income, partially offset by the impact of impairment losses, foreign withholding taxes, and the accounting for share-based compensation.
Tax benefit associated with total share-based compensation was approximately $6.1 million and $8.0 million for fiscal 2008 and 2009, respectively. Excluding the impact of share-based compensation and the related tax benefit, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 and 2009 would have been 35.3% and 19.1%, respectively.

 

44


Table of Contents

Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the eight quarters in the two-year period ended fiscal 2010. You should read the following table in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report. We have prepared this unaudited information on the same basis as our audited financial statements. This table includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the quarters presented. Past operating results are not necessarily indicative of future operating performance; accordingly, you should not draw any conclusions about our future results from the results of operations for any quarter presented.
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended  
(in thousands except per share amounts)   September     December     March     June     September     December     March     June  
(unaudited)   2008 *     2008 *     2009 *     2009 *     2009     2009     2010     2010  
 
 
Net revenue
  $ 115,857     $ 141,523     $ 100,595     $ 115,327     $ 119,592     $ 133,323     $ 116,212     $ 145,763  
Cost of revenue
    69,264       83,717       59,888       68,924       71,270       79,492       68,910       86,516  
 
                                               
Gross margin
    46,593       57,806       40,707       46,403       48,322       53,831       47,302       59,247  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating expenses:
                                                               
Research and development
    15,805       15,940       17,286       18,995       19,975       22,442       21,212       22,923  
Selling, general, and administrative
    14,570       13,714       12,786       12,944       13,764       16,575       14,635       15,053  
 
                                               
Total operating expenses
    30,375       29,654       30,072       31,939       33,739       39,017       35,847       37,976  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating income
    16,218       28,152       10,635       14,464       14,583       14,814       11,455       21,271  
Interest income
    1,258       974       538       452       331       241       200       205  
Interest expense
    (2,541 )     (1,739 )     (1,374 )     (1,399 )     (1,423 )     (968 )     (4 )     (5 )
Loss on early retirement of debt
          (1,053 )                                    
Impairment of investment
                            (443 )                  
Recovery/(impairment) of auction rate securities investments
          (6,509 )     (2,894 )     160                          
 
                                               
Income before income taxes
    14,935       19,825       6,905       13,677       13,048       14,087       11,651       21,471  
Provision for income taxes
    2,224       2,250       1,499       1,290       3,244       1,860       45       2,143  
 
                                               
Net income
  $ 12,711     $ 17,575     $ 5,406     $ 12,387     $ 9,804     $ 12,227     $ 11,606     $ 19,328  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net income per share:
                                                               
 
Basic
  $ 0.38     $ 0.52     $ 0.16     $ 0.36     $ 0.29     $ 0.36     $ 0.35     $ 0.57  
 
                                               
Diluted
  $ 0.36     $ 0.50     $ 0.15     $ 0.34     $ 0.27     $ 0.35     $ 0.33     $ 0.54  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Shares used in computing net income per share:
                                                               
 
Basic
    33,640       33,833       34,062       34,388       34,341       33,611       33,526       33,867  
 
                                               
Diluted
    35,459       35,057       35,243       36,348       35,968       34,936       35,095       35,514  
 
                                               
 
     
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, which exclude ARS investments, were $209.9 million as of the end of fiscal 2010 compared with $192.0 million as of the end of fiscal 2009, an increase of approximately $17.9 million. This increase primarily reflected $114.0 million provided from operating cash flows, $14.0 million of proceeds from our share-based compensation plans, partially offset by $63.0 million used for the settlement of debt and $44.5 million used for the purchase of treasury shares. We consider earnings of our foreign subsidiaries indefinitely invested overseas and have made no provision for income or withholding taxes that may result from a future repatriation of those earnings.

 

45


Table of Contents

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. For fiscal 2010, the net cash provided by operating activities of $114.0 million was primarily attributable to net income of $53.0 million plus adjustments for non-cash charges, including share-based compensation costs of $35.4 million and depreciation, deferred taxes, amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount, and impairment of investments, aggregating $4.7 million, and a net increase in net operating liabilities of $20.9 million. The net increase in net operating liabilities related primarily to an increase in accounts payable of $33.4 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, net of $16.8 million. Our days sales outstanding decreased slightly from 66 to 63 days from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010 and our inventory turns increased from 18 to 19 days for the same period. For fiscal 2009, the net cash provided by operating activities of $81.6 million was primarily attributable to net income of $48.1 million plus adjustments for non-cash charges, including share-based compensation costs of $24.4 million and impairment of investments, depreciation, amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount, deferred taxes and early retirement of debt aggregating $9.1 million. For fiscal 2008, the net cash provided by operating activities of $76.4 million was primarily attributable to net income of $26.4 million plus adjustments for non-cash charges, including share-based compensation costs of $17.5 million and the impairment of an investment, amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount, depreciation, and deferred taxes, and aggregating $21.2 million, and a net decrease in operating assets and liabilities of $14.0 million, partially offset by a non-cash benefit of $2.7 million on the settlement of debt. Our days sales outstanding increased slightly from 64 to 66 days from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2009 and our inventory turns increased from 11 to 18 days for the same period. The net decrease in operating assets and liabilities related primarily to a $17.4 million changes in income taxes, which included the receipt of a $10.3 million refund.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Our investing activities typically relate to purchases of government-backed securities and investment-grade fixed income instruments and purchases of property and equipment. Investing activities generated net cash of $15.6 million for fiscal 2010, $22.9 million for fiscal 2009, and $114.7 million for fiscal 2008. Net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal 2010 consisted of proceeds from sales and maturities of $28.9 million for short-term investments and $1.8 million in redemptions of ARS investments, partially offset by $9.1 million used for the purchase of capital assets and $6.0 million used for the purchase of short-term investments. Net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal 2009 consisted of proceeds from sales and maturities of $52.3 million for short-term investments and $4.9 million in redemptions of ARS investments, partially offset by $25.0 million used for the purchase of short-term investments and $9.3 million used for the purchase of capital assets. Net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal 2008 consisted of proceeds from sales and maturities of $294.3 million for short-term investments, partially offset by purchases of $172.5 million for short-term investments and $7.1 million for purchases of capital assets.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 was $140.7 million, $31.7 million, and $88.8 million, respectively. Our net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to $63.0 million for the retirement of debt and $44.5 million for the purchase of our common stock in the open market and $2.4 million used for the payment of payroll taxes for deferred stock units, partially offset by $14.0 million of proceeds from common stock issued under share-based compensation plans and $7.1 million from excess tax benefit from share-based compensation. Our net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to $55.7 million for the early retirement of debt and $1.8 million used for the payment of payroll taxes for deferred stock units, partially offset by $16.4 million in proceeds from common stock issued under our share-based compensation plans and $9.4 million of excess tax benefit associated with share-based compensation. Our financing activities for fiscal 2008 primarily related to $165.0 million for the purchase of our common stock in the open market and $746,000 used for the payment of payroll taxes for deferred stock units, partially offset by $24.8 million of proceeds from common stock issued under our share-based compensation plans and $289,000 of excess tax benefit from share-based compensation.
Common Stock Purchase Program. In April 2010, our Board of Directors approved an additional $100 million for the stock repurchase program, expiring in April 2012, bringing the current authorization to $420 million. The program authorizes us to purchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions and other factors. The number of shares purchased and the timing of purchases is based on the level of our cash balances, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities. Common stock purchased under this program is held as treasury stock. From April 2005 through the end of fiscal 2010, we purchased 10,871,313 shares of our common stock in the open market for an aggregate cost of $281.9 million. Treasury shares purchased prior to August 28, 2008 were not subject to the stock split on that date, if adjusted for the stock split the average cost would be $18.29. As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had $138.1 million remaining under our common stock purchase program, which expires in April 2012.
Bank Credit Facility. We currently maintain a $40.0 million working capital line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank. The Wells Fargo Bank revolving line of credit, which expires on September 1, 2011, provides for an interest rate equal to the prime lending rate or 250 basis points above LIBOR, depending on whether we choose a variable or fixed rate, respectively. We did not borrow any amounts under the line of credit during and subsequent to the fiscal year.

 

46


Table of Contents

Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. In December 2004, we issued an aggregate of $125 million of 0.75% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes maturing December 1, 2024 (the “Notes”) in a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. In connection with issuing the Notes, we incurred debt issuance costs of $4.3 million, consisting primarily of the initial purchasers’ discount and costs related to legal, accounting, and printing. We have purchased and retired $122.7 million of the Notes leaving $2.3 million of the Notes outstanding as of the end of fiscal 2010, which have been classified as long-term as the next date noteholders can require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes is beyond one year.
$250 Million Shelf Registration. We have registered an aggregate of $250 million of common stock (including the associated rights), preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts, and units (collectively “securities”) for issuance to raise funds for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness outstanding from time to time, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and repurchases of our common stock or other securities. Securities issued under the shelf registration generally will be freely tradeable after their issuance unless held by an affiliate of our company, in which case such shares will be subject to the volume and manner of sale restrictions of Rule 144.
$100 Million Shelf Registration. We have registered an aggregate of $100 million of common stock and preferred stock for issuance in connection with acquisitions, which shares generally will be freely tradeable after their issuance under Rule 145 of the Securities Act unless held by an affiliate of the acquired company, in which case such shares will be subject to the volume and manner of sale restrictions of Rule 144.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and other cash requirements over the course of at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our revenue, the timing and extent of spending to support product development efforts, costs related to protecting our intellectual property, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, the costs to ensure access to adequate manufacturing capacity, our common stock purchase program, and the amount and timing of our investments in, or acquisitions of, other technologies or companies. Further equity or debt financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If sufficient funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to take advantage of unexpected business opportunities or to respond to competitive pressures could be limited or severely constrained.
Our non-current investments consist of ARS investments, which have failed to settle in auctions. These failures generally resulted in the interest rates resetting from LIBOR plus 50 basis points to LIBOR plus 150 basis points on the regularly scheduled auction dates. These investments are not liquid, and in the event we need to access these funds, we will not be able to do so without a loss of principal, unless a future auction on these investments is successful. As of fiscal 2010 year end, the fair value of our ARS investments was $28.0 million and had an original cost basis of $40.7 million. During fiscal 2010, $1.8 million of our ARS investments were redeemed at par and we recognized a gain of $6,000 on the redemption, which was included in impairment of investments, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In connection with our fair value analysis for fiscal 2010, we recorded a $0.4 million other-than-temporary impairment charge.
Based on our ability to access our cash and other short-term investments, our expected operating cash flows, and our other sources of cash, we do not anticipate the lack of liquidity on these investments will affect our ability to operate our business as usual.

 

47


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table sets forth a summary of our material contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of the end of fiscal 2010 (in millions):
                                         
    Payments due by period  
            Less than     1-3     3-5     More than  
Contractual Obligations   Total     1 year     Years     Years     5 Years  
Convertible senior subordinated notes (1)
  $ 3     $     $     $     $ 3  
Leases
    7       3       4              
Purchase obligations and other commitments
    20       8       6       6        
 
                             
Total
  $ 30     $ 11     $ 10     $ 6     $ 3  
 
                             
 
     
(1)  
Represents both principal and interest payable through the maturity date of the underlying contractual obligation.
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we were unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when cash settlement with a taxing authority may occur in connection with our gross unrecognized tax benefits of $19.0 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any transactions, arrangements, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that are reasonably likely to materially affect our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. We have no special purpose or limited purpose entities that provide off-balance sheet financing, liquidity, or market or credit risk support; engage in leasing, hedging, or research and development services; or have other relationships that expose us to liability that is not reflected in the financial statements.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Please see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of adoption of new accounting pronouncements.
Retrospective application of Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion
Please see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of retrospective application of accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Please see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

 

48


Table of Contents

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest rate risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our cash and cash equivalents, and auction rate securities. Our current investment portfolio consists primarily of government-backed securities and investment-grade instruments, and we would not expect the fair value of our investments to be significantly affected by changes in market interest rates; however, our interest income will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. We do not use our investment portfolio for trading or other speculative purposes.
The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our cash equivalents, investments, and debt obligations as of the end of fiscal 2010 (in thousands, except for average interest rates):
                                                                 
                                                            Fair  
Fiscal Year Ended June   2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total     Value  
Assets
                                                               
Cash equivalents — variable rate
                                                               
Money market
  $ 208,040     $     $     $     $     $     $ 208,040     $ 208,040  
Average interest rate
    0.17 %                                   0.17 %        
Total cash equivalents
  $ 208,040     $     $     $     $     $     $ 208,040     $ 208,040  
Average interest rate
    0.17 %                                   0.17 %        
Non-current investments
  $     $     $     $     $     $ 40,700     $ 40,700     $ 28,012  
Average interest rate
                                  1.39 %     1.39 %        
 
                                                               
Liabilities
                                                               
Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
                                                               
Fixed rate amounts
  $     $     $     $     $     $ 2,305     $ 2,305     $ 2,305  
Average interest rate
                                  0.75 %     0.75 %        
Our Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes bear a fixed coupon interest rate of 0.75% and mature in December 2024. The Noteholders could require us to repurchase their Notes on December 1, 2014, December 1, 2019 or in the event of a fundamental change as described in the indenture governing the Notes. The early repayment of the Notes is not reflected in the preceding schedule.
Our non-current investments, which consist of ARS investments, have a par value of $40.7 million and have failed to settle in auctions beginning in September 2007. These investments are not liquid, and in the event we need to access these funds, we will not be able to do so without a loss of principal, unless redeemed by the issuers or a future auction on these investments is successful. During fiscal 2010, $1.8 million of our ARS investments were redeemed at par and we recognized a gain of $6,000 on the redemption of these investments, which is included in impairment of investments, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
As there are currently no active markets for our various failed ARS investments, we have estimated the fair value of these investments as of the end of fiscal 2010 based on a trinomial discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis considered, among other factors:
   
the collateral underlying the security investments;
 
   
creditworthiness of the counterparty;
 
   
timing of expected future cash flows;
 
   
the probability of a successful auction in a future period;
 
   
the underlying structure of each investment;
 
   
the present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at rates considered to reflect current market conditions;
 
   
consideration of the probabilities of default, passing a future auction, or redemption at par for each period; and
 
   
estimates of the recovery rates in the event of default for each investment.

 

49


Table of Contents

When possible, our failed ARS investments were compared to other observable market data or securities with similar characteristics. Our estimate of the fair value of our ARS investments could change materially from period to period based on future market conditions.
Contractual maturities for our ARS investments are generally greater than five years, with fair value of $9.4 million maturing from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2018, $8.9 million maturing from fiscal 2034 to fiscal 2045, and $9.7 million maturing thereafter or having no stated maturity. Of our ARS investments $22.2 million par value are investment grade; and the remaining $18.5 million par value are below investment grade.
Based on our ability to access our cash and other short-term investments, our expected operating cash flows, and our other sources of cash, we do not anticipate the lack of liquidity on these investments will affect our ability to operate our business as usual.
There have been no significant changes in the maturity dates and average interest rates for our cash equivalents and short-term investment portfolio and debt obligations subsequent to fiscal 2010.
Foreign currency exchange risk
All of our revenue and approximately 94% of our consolidated costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, we have relatively little exposure to foreign currency exchange risks and foreign exchange losses have been immaterial to date. We do not currently enter into forward-exchange contracts to hedge exposure denominated in foreign currencies or any other derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In the future, if our operations change and we determine that our foreign exchange exposure has increased, we may consider entering into hedging transactions to mitigate such risk.
ITEM 8.  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to the financial statements, the reports of our independent registered public accounting firm, and the notes thereto commencing at page F-1 of this report, which financial statements, reports, and notes are incorporated herein by reference. Reference is also made to the quarterly results of operations on page 45 of this report, which quarterly results of operations are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9.  
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusions Regarding Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as of June 26, 2010, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

50


Table of Contents

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 26, 2010. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 26, 2010 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report included herein on page F-3.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements, errors, and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be prevented or detected. Further, internal controls may become inadequate as a result of changes in conditions, or through the deterioration of the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
ITEM 9B.  
OTHER INFORMATION
There were no items requiring reporting on Form 8-K that were not reported on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the year covered by this Form 10-K.

 

51


Table of Contents

PART III
ITEM 10.  
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item relating to directors of our company and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information required by this Item relating to our executive officers is included in Item 1, “Business — Executive Officers.”
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and other senior accounting personnel. The “Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers” is located on our website at www.synaptics.com in the Investor Relations section under Corporate Governance.
We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on our website, at the address and location specified above.
ITEM 11.  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement (particularly under the caption “Executive Compensation”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 12.  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement (particularly under the caption “Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders, Directors, and Officers”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 13.  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement (particularly under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 14.  
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement (particularly under the caption “Participation of Appointment of Independent Auditor”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

52


Table of Contents

PART IV
ITEM 15.  
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
    (1)  
Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.
(b) Exhibits
         
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
 
  3.1    
Certificate of Incorporation (1)
  3.1 (b)  
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (2)
  3.2    
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (amended and restated as of July 27, 2010) (3)
  3.3    
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (4)
  4    
Form of Common Stock Certificate (5)
  4 (b)  
Rights Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2002, between the registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (2)
  4 (c)  
Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement (6)
  4.6    
Form of Indenture (14)
  10.3 (a)  
1996 Stock Option Plan (7)
  10.3 (b)  
Form of grant agreements for 1996 Stock Option Plan (5)
  10.5    
2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and form of grant agreement (7)
  10.6 (a)  
Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended through January 23, 2007) (8)
  10.6 (b)  
Form of grant agreements for Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (9)
  10.6 (c)  
Form of deferred stock award agreement for Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (10)
  10.7 (a)  
Corrected Amended and Restated 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended through January 23, 2007) (8)
  10.8    
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (7)
  10.14    
Form of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement between the registrant and Francis F. Lee (7)
  10.15    
Form of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement between the registrant and Russell J. Knittel (7)
  10.17    
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with the following directors and executive officers as of January 28, 2002 with Francis F. Lee, Russell J. Knittel, Keith B. Geeslin, and Richard L. Sanquini; as of June 26, 2004 with Jeffrey D. Buchanan; as of March 28, 2006 with Thomas J. Tiernan; as of September 25, 2006; with Hing Chung (Alex) Wong; as of February 20, 2007 with Nelson C. Chan; as of April 2, 2007 with Mark N. Vena; as of October 23, 2007 with James L. Whims; as of January 7, 2008 with David B. Long and Joseph D. Montalbo; and as of March 2, 2009 with Kathleen A. Bayless (1)
  10.18    
Severance Policy for Principal Executive Officers (11)
  10.20    
Form of Change of Control and Severance Agreement entered into by Russell J. Knittel as of April 22, 2003 (11)
  10.22    
Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2005 by and among the registrant, Alps Electric Co. Ltd., and Cirque Corporation (12) *
  10.23    
Change of Control Severance Agreement entered into by Thomas Tiernan as of April 3, 2006 (13)
  21    
List of Subsidiaries
  23.1    
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  32.1    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
  32.2    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

53


Table of Contents

 
     
(1)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2001, as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2002.
 
(2)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on August 16, 2002.
 
(3)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2010.
 
(4)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 7, 2004.
 
(5)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2002, as filed with the SEC on September 12, 2002.
 
(6)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2008.
 
(7)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-56026) as filed with the SEC on August 17, 2001 and declared effective January 28, 2002.
 
(8)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007, as filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007.
 
(9)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 28, 2002, as filed with SEC on February 6, 2003.
 
(10)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2006, as filed with the SEC on September 7, 2006.
 
(11)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2003, as filed with the SEC on September 12, 2003.
 
(12)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2005.
 
(13)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 3, 2006.
 
(14)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-155582) as filed with the SEC November 21, 2008 and declared effective May 7, 2009.
 
*  
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request that was granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

54


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
 
 
Date August 23, 2010  By:   /s/ Thomas J. Tiernan    
    Thomas J. Tiernan   
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
       
/s/ Thomas J. Tiernan
 
Thomas J. Tiernan
  President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Kathleen A. Bayless
 
Kathleen A. Bayless
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Francis F. Lee
 
Francis F. Lee
  Chairman of the Board    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Jeffrey D. Buchanan
 
Jeffrey D. Buchanan
  Director    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Nelson C. Chan
 
Nelson C. Chan
  Director    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Keith B. Geeslin
 
Keith B. Geeslin
  Director    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ Richard L. Sanquini
 
Richard L. Sanquini
  Director    August 23, 2010
 
       
/s/ James L. Whims
 
James L. Whims
  Director    August 23, 2010

 

55


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
    F-2  
 
       
    F-4  
 
       
    F-5  
 
       
    F-6  
 
       
    F-7  
 
       
    F-8  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Synaptics Incorporated:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Synaptics Incorporated and subsidiaries (the Company) as of June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 26, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Synaptics Incorporated and subsidiaries as of June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 26, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2010, the Company retrospectively adopted the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 14-1 (included in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options), Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), for all periods presented herein. Also, as discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (included in FASB ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities), during fiscal 2009.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 26, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated August 23, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
August 23, 2010

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Synaptics Incorporated:
We have audited Synaptics Incorporated and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of June 26, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Synaptics Incorporated’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 26, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 26, 2010 and our report dated August 23, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
August 23, 2010

 

F-3


Table of Contents

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
                 
    June     June  
    2009*     2010  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 169,036     $ 209,858  
Short-term investments
    22,934        
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $513 and $500 at June 2009 and 2010, respectively
    84,739       101,509  
Inventories
    14,950       18,667  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    3,094       4,471  
 
           
Total current assets
    294,753       334,505  
Property and equipment, net
    25,431       25,821  
Goodwill
    1,927       1,927  
Non-current investments
    28,767       28,012  
Other assets
    25,272       24,414  
 
           
 
  $ 376,150     $ 414,679  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 32,210     $ 65,618  
Accrued compensation
    8,450       11,330  
Income taxes payable
    9,128       10,061  
Current deferred tax liabilities
    10,225        
Other accrued liabilities
    11,813       18,962  
Notes payable
    63,234        
 
           
Total current liabilities
    135,060       105,971  
 
           
Notes payable
          2,305  
Other liabilities
    18,484       19,892  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock;
               
$0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock:
               
$0.001 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 43,779,011 and 44,891,834 shares issued, and 34,690,911 and 34,020,521 shares outstanding, at June 2009 and 2010, respectively
    44       45  
Additional paid-in capital
    293,666       347,764  
Less: 9,088,100 and 10,871,313 common treasury shares at June 2009 and 2010, respectively, at cost
    (237,387 )     (281,932 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    129       1,515  
Retained earnings
    166,154       219,119  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    222,606       286,511  
 
           
 
  $ 376,150     $ 414,679  
 
           
 
     
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash. See notes 1 and 7.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
    Fiscal  
    2008*     2009*     2010  
 
                       
Net revenue
  $ 361,057     $ 473,302     $ 514,890  
Cost of revenue
    213,606       281,793       306,188  
 
                 
Gross margin
    147,451       191,509       208,702  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating expenses:
                       
Research and development
    50,093       68,026       86,552  
Selling, general, and administrative
    48,126       54,014       60,027  
 
                 
Total operating expenses
    98,219       122,040       146,579  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating income
    49,232       69,469       62,123  
Interest income
    9,652       3,222       977  
Interest expense
    (9,762 )     (7,053 )     (2,400 )
Gain on settlement of debt
    2,689              
Loss on early retirement of debt
          (1,053 )      
Impairment of investments, net
    (10,963 )     (9,243 )     (443 )
 
                 
Income before provision for income taxes
    40,848       55,342       60,257  
Provision for income taxes
    14,485       7,263       7,292  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 26,363     $ 48,079     $ 52,965  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per share:
                       
Basic(1)
  $ 0.70     $ 1.41     $ 1.57  
 
                 
Diluted(1)
  $ 0.67     $ 1.35     $ 1.50  
 
                 
 
                       
Shares used in computing net income per share:
                       
Basic(1)
    37,667       33,981       33,836  
 
                 
Diluted(1)
    39,365       35,577       35,423  
 
                 
 
     
(1)  
All share and net income per share amounts reflect the 3-for-2 split effected as a stock dividend and paid on August 29, 2008 (see note 1).
 
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash. (See notes 1 and 7).
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except for share amounts)
                                                         
                                    Accumulated                
                    Additional             Other             Total  
    Common Stock Issued     Paid-in     Treasury     Comprehensive     Retained     Stockholders’  
    Shares(1)     Amount(1)     Capital*(1)     Stock     Income/(Loss)     Earnings*     Equity*  
 
                                                       
Balance at June 2007, as previously stated
    42,705,939     $ 43     $ 180,733     $ (72,345 )   $ (139 )   $ 99,795     $ 208,087  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles for convertible debt
                22,704                   (10,530 )     12,174  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Balance at June 2007, as adjusted
    42,705,939       43       203,437       (72,345 )     (139 )     89,265       220,261  
Components of comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                  26,363       26,363  
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments
                            (2,178 )           (2,178 )
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    24,185  
 
                                                     
Issuance of common stock from option exercises and stock purchase plan
    2,544,596       3       24,761                         24,764  
Payroll taxes for deferred stock units
                (746 )                       (746 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                      (165,042 )                 (165,042 )
Adjustment for non-issuance of stock dividend on treasury shares(2)
    (2,750,000 )     (3 )     3                          
Tax benefit associated with share-based awards
                289                         289  
Share-based compensation
                17,503                         17,503  
 
                                         
Balance at June 2008
    42,500,535       43       245,247       (237,387 )     (2,317 )     115,628       121,214  
Components of comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                  48,079       48,079  
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
                            4,893             4,893  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    52,972  
 
                                                     
Issuance of common stock from option exercises and stock purchase plan
    1,278,476       1       16,426                         16,427  
Payroll taxes for deferred stock units
                (1,801 )                       (1,801 )
Tax benefit associated with share-based awards
                9,374                         9,374  
Share-based compensation
                24,420                         24,420  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                            (2,447 )     2,447        
 
                                         
Balance at June 2009
    43,779,011       44       293,666       (237,387 )     129       166,154       222,606  
Components of comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                  52,965       52,965  
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
                            1,386             1,386  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    54,351  
 
                                                     
Issuance of common stock from option exercises and stock purchase plan
    1,112,823       1       14,030                         14,031  
Payroll taxes for deferred stock units
                (2,374 )                       (2,374 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                      (44,545 )                 (44,545 )
Tax benefit associated with share-based awards
                7,066                         7,066  
Share-based compensation
                35,376                         35,376  
 
                                         
Balance at June 2010
    44,891,834     $ 45     $ 347,764     $ (281,932 )   $ 1,515     $ 219,119     $ 286,511  
 
                                         
 
     
(1)  
Amounts reflect the 3-for-2 stock split effected as a stock dividend and paid on August 29, 2008.
 
(2)  
The stock dividend was not paid on treasury shares; accordingly, the impact of not issuing the stock dividend on treasury shares is reflected above as an adjustment for non-issuance of stock dividend on treasury shares.
 
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash. See notes 1 and 7.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                         
    Fiscal  
    2008*     2009*     2010  
Cash flows from operating activities
                       
Net income
  $ 26,363     $ 48,079     $ 52,965  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Share-based compensation costs
    17,503       24,420       35,376  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,797       6,338       8,677  
Impairment of property and equipment
    210              
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    578       368       118  
Amortization of debt discount
    8,222       6,024       2,069  
Tax benefit realized from share-based compensation
    289       9,374       7,066  
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    (289 )     (9,374 )     (7,066 )
Deferred taxes
    (2,606 )     (13,916 )     (6,534 )
Loss on retirement of debt
    (2,689 )     1,053        
Impairment of investments, net
    10,963       9,243       443  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable, net
    (12,641 )     (15,377 )     (16,770 )
Inventories
    (9,031 )     6,115       (3,717 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    577       (354 )     (128 )
Other assets
    6,377       (6,246 )     (4,230 )
Accounts payable
    6,232       4,426       33,408  
Accrued compensation
    1,138       1,940       2,880  
Income taxes
    17,428       6,744       2,214  
Other accrued liabilities
    3,966       2,734       7,237  
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    76,387       81,591       114,008  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Purchases of short-term investments
    (172,547 )     (25,007 )     (5,986 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments
    294,264       52,300       28,912  
Proceeds from sales and maturities of non current investments
          4,900       1,775  
Purchases of property and equipment
    (7,066 )     (9,310 )     (9,067 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    114,651       22,883       15,634  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Purchases of treasury stock
    (165,042 )           (44,545 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and stock purchase plan
    24,764       16,427       14,031  
Retirement of debt, net of discount
          (55,656 )     (62,998 )
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    289       9,374       7,066  
Payroll taxes for deferred stock units
    (746 )     (1,801 )     (2,374 )
 
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (140,735 )     (31,656 )     (88,820 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    50,303       72,818       40,822  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    45,915       96,218       169,036  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 96,218     $ 169,036     $ 209,858  
 
                 
 
                       
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
                       
Cash paid for taxes
  $ 2,679     $ 5,016     $ 11,789  
 
                 
Cash paid for interest
  $ 938     $ 692     $ 254  
 
                 
 
     
*  
Reflects the retrospective application of the new accounting pronouncement applicable to convertible debt instruments that can be settled in cash. See notes 1 and 7.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Basis of Presentation
We are a leading worldwide developer and supplier of custom-designed user interface solutions that enable people to interact more easily and intuitively with a wide variety of mobile computing, communications, entertainment, and other electronic devices. We currently target the personal computer, or PC, market and the market for digital lifestyle products, including mobile smartphones and feature phones, portable digital music and video players, and other select electronic device markets with our customized human interface solutions. Our original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, customers include most of the tier one PC OEMs and many of the world’s largest OEMs for mobile smartphones and feature phones and portable digital music players.
The consolidated financial statements include our financial statements and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in June. The fiscal years presented in this report were 52-week periods ended June 28, 2008, June 27, 2009, and June 26, 2010.
Stock Split
On July 31, 2008, we announced a 3-for-2 stock split to be effected as a stock dividend. The stock dividend was effective for stockholders of record on August 15, 2008 and was paid on August 29, 2008. All share and per share amounts contained herein for each period presented prior to the stock dividend date have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split, except for treasury shares.
Retrospective application of Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion
Effective the beginning of our fiscal 2010, we adopted the accounting standard on accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion. This standard applies to our 0.75% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes maturing December 1, 2024 (the “Notes”). The adoption of this accounting standard, which must be applied on a retrospective basis, resulted in a non-cash interest charge for all periods presented in our financial statements during which the Notes were outstanding.
Upon adoption of the new accounting standard, and effective as of the issuance date of the Notes, we recorded $39.4 million of the principal amount to equity, representing the debt discount for the difference between our estimated nonconvertible debt borrowing rate of 8.5% at the time of issuance and the 0.75% coupon rate of the Notes using a five-year life, which coincides with the initial put rights of the Noteholders. In addition, we allocated the $4.3 million of debt issuance costs pro-rata to the equity and debt components of the Notes, or $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The debt discount and the debt issuance costs allocated to the debt component were amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over five years, and were fully amortized as of December 31, 2009. See Note 7.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories, product warranty, share-based compensation costs, provision for income taxes, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, tax contingencies, goodwill, and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience, applicable laws, and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Cash Equivalents and Investments
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments consist of marketable securities and are classified as securities “available for sale” under U.S. GAAP related to Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. Our short-term and non-current investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and shown separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. We charge an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of a debt security to earnings if the decline is due to a credit loss or to other comprehensive income if the decline is due to a noncredit loss, resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the debt security. We charge other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of equity securities to earnings. We include interest earned on marketable securities in interest income. We determine realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities using the specific identification method.
Investments in available-for-sale securities and cash equivalents as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    2009  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
                               
Money market
  $ 166,334     $     $     $ 166,334  
Commercial paper
    2,598                   2,598  
U.S. Treasury bills
    7,992       3             7,995  
Municipal securities
    12,898       43             12,941  
Auction rate securities
    28,715       52             28,767  
 
                       
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 218,537     $ 98     $     $ 218,635  
 
                       
                                 
    2010  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
                               
Money market
  $ 208,040     $     $     $ 208,040  
Auction rate securities
    26,497       1,515             28,012  
 
                       
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 234,537     $ 1,515     $     $ 236,052  
 
                       
Weighted average interest rates, amortized costs, and estimated fair values of short-term available-for-sale securities and cash equivalents by contractual maturity as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                                                 
    2009     2010  
    Weighted                     Weighted                
    Average             Estimated     Average             Estimated  
    Interest     Amortized     Fair     Interest     Amortized     Fair  
    Rate     Cost     Value     Rate     Cost     Value  
 
                                               
Less than one year
    0.6 %   $ 189,822     $ 189,868       0.2 %   $ 208,040     $ 208,040  
Due in 1 - 2 years
                                       
 
                                       
Total
          $ 189,822     $ 189,868             $ 208,040     $ 208,040  
 
                                       

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Fair Values of Cash Equivalents and Investments
We measure financial assets at fair value. We use the U.S. GAAP framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis in which inputs, used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level as follows:
   
Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
   
Level 2: Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
   
Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions must be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available. Our Level 3 assets consist of non-current auction rate securities (“ARS”) investments. We estimated the fair value of our ARS investments based on the following: (i) the underlying structure of each investment; (ii) the present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at rates considered to reflect current market conditions; (iii) consideration of the probabilities of default, passing a future auction, or repurchase at par for each period; and (iv) estimates of the recovery rates in the event of default for each investment. See Note 4 — Auction Rate Securities.
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the fair value hierarchy, as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                                         
    2009     2010  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Level 1     Level 3  
 
                                       
Money market
  $ 166,334     $     $     $ 208,040     $  
Commercial paper
          2,598                    
U.S. Treasury bills
          7,995                    
Municipal securities
          12,941                    
Auction rate securities
                28,767             28,012  
 
                             
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 166,334     $ 23,534     $ 28,767     $ 208,040     $ 28,012  
 
                             
Money market balances are included in cash and cash equivalents as of the end of fiscal 2010. Commercial paper, U.S. Treasury bills, and municipal securities are included in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of the end of fiscal 2009. ARS investments are included in non-current investments as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010. There were no Level 2 financial assets as of the end of fiscal 2010.
Changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial assets from the end of fiscal 2008 to the end of fiscal 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
         
Balance as of June 2008
  $ 37,946  
Net change in other comprehensive income from Level 3 financial assets
    4,964  
Other than temporary impairment, net
    (9,243 )
Redemptions
    (4,900 )
Balance as of June 2009
    28,767  
Net change in other comprehensive income from Level 3 financial assets
    1,463  
Other than temporary impairment, net
    (443 )
Redemptions
    (1,775 )
 
     
Balance as of June 2010
  $ 28,012  
 
     
There were no transfers in or out of our Level 1, 2 or 3 assets during fiscal 2009 or 2010.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

The fair values of our cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of those instruments. We base the fair value of short-term investments on current trading values and the fair value of our ARS investments on a discounted cash flow model. We base the fair value of our notes payable on trading values as of the end of our fiscal year.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investments, and trade accounts receivable. Our investment policy, which is predicated on capital preservation and liquidity, limits investments to U.S. government treasuries and agency issues, taxable securities, and municipal issued securities with a minimum rating of A1 (Moody’s) or P1 (Standard and Poor’s) or equivalent. Included within our investment portfolio are investments in ARS investments, which met our investment guidelines at the time of our investment. Our ARS investments are currently not liquid as a result of continued auction failures. If the issuers are not able to meet their payment obligations or if we sell our ARS investments before they recover, we may lose some or all of our principal invested or may be required to further reduce the carrying value. We do not intend to sell our ARS investments for less than par value.
We sell our products primarily to contract manufacturers that provide manufacturing services to OEMs. We extend credit based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, and we generally do not require collateral. To date, credit losses on our accounts receivable have been insignificant, and we believe that an adequate allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided.
The following customers accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance as the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010:
                 
    2009     2010  
 
               
Customer A
    11 %     15 %
Customer B
    *       15 %
Customer C
    20 %     *  
Customer D
    11 %     *  
Customer E
    10 %     *  
 
     
*  
Less than 10%
Other Concentrations
Our products include certain components that are currently single sourced. We believe other vendors would be able to provide similar components; however, the qualification of such vendors may require start-up time. In order to mitigate any adverse impacts from a disruption of supply, we attempt to maintain an adequate supply of critical single-sourced components.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue from product sales when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title has transferred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. We accrue for estimated sales returns and other allowances, based on historical experience, at the time we recognize revenue.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to meet their financial obligations. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances in which we are aware of a specific customer’s potential inability to meet its financial obligation, we record a specific reserve of the bad debt against amounts due. In addition, we make judgments and estimates on the collectibility of accounts receivable based on our historical bad debt experience, customers’ creditworthiness, current economic trends, recent changes in customers’ payment trends, and deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances change adversely, additional bad debt allowances may be required.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Changes in our allowances for doubtful accounts for fiscal 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 539     $ 513  
Additions charged to expense
    4       7  
Adjustments to reserve
    (30 )     (20 )
 
           
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 513     $ 500  
 
           
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue includes the cost of products shipped to our customers, which primarily includes the cost of products built to our specifications by our contract manufacturers, the cost of silicon wafers supplied by independent wafer foundries, and the related assembly, package, and test costs of our die and packaged ASICs. Also included in our cost of revenue are personnel and related costs, including share-based compensation, for quality assurance and manufacturing support; logistics costs; depreciation of equipment supporting manufacturing; license amortization; provisions for excess and obsolete inventories; and warranty costs.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market (estimated net realizable value) as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 and consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Raw materials
  $ 9,217     $ 12,251  
Finished goods
    5,733       6,416  
 
           
 
  $ 14,950     $ 18,667  
 
           
Periodically, we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers when a customer delays its delivery schedule or cancels its order. In those circumstances in which our customer has cancelled its order and we purchase inventory from our contract manufacturers, we consider a write-down to reduce the carrying value of the inventory purchased to its net realizable value. We charge write-downs to reduce the carrying value of obsolete, slow moving, and non-usable inventory to net realizable value to cost of revenue. The effect of these write-downs is to establish a new cost basis in the related inventory, which we do not subsequently write up.
Property and Equipment
We state property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We apply estimated useful lives of three to seven years to our computer equipment and software; estimated useful lives ranging from one to five years to our manufacturing equipment; an estimated useful life of three to five years to our furniture and fixtures; and an estimated useful life of 35 years to our building. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the asset. For fiscal 2009 and 2010, we retired fully depreciated equipment and furniture with an original cost of $6.8 million and zero, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
The U.S. dollar is our functional and reporting currency. We remeasure our monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the functional currency into U.S. dollar equivalents at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date. We measure and record non-monetary balance sheet accounts at the historical rate in effect at the date of translation. All of our revenue and all but 6% of our consolidated costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. We translate certain expenses at the weighted average exchange rate in the month that the transaction occurred. Remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency are included currently in operating results. Translation losses included in operating results for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 were not material. To date, we have not undertaken hedging transactions related to foreign currency exposure.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Goodwill
We review the carrying value of goodwill at least annually for impairment as of the fiscal year end balance sheet date. The frequency of our review is dictated by events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value may be impaired. Based on our latest review, we determined there was no impairment of the carrying value of goodwill.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge in an amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated balance sheet. There were no events during the fiscal year that would trigger an impairment of our long-lived assets.
Segment Information
We operate in one segment: the development, marketing, and sale of intuitive user interface solutions for electronic devices and products.
Share-Based Compensation Costs
We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of employee share-based compensatory awards, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility and expected life. Historical and implied volatilities were used in estimating the fair value of our share-based awards, while the expected life for our options was estimated based on historical trends since our initial public offering. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measure of estimated fair value of our share-based compensation. Further, we estimate forfeitures for share-based awards that are not expected to vest. We charge estimated fair value less estimated forfeitures to earnings on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the underlying awards, which is generally four years for our stock option and deferred stock unit (“DSU”) awards and up to two years for our employee stock purchase plan.
Product Warranties
We generally warrant our products for a period of 12 months or more from the date of sale and estimate probable product warranty costs at the time we recognize revenue. Factors that affect our warranty liability include historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, materials usage, rework, and delivery costs. Warranty costs incurred have not been material in recent years. However, we assess the adequacy of our warranty obligations periodically and adjust the accrued warranty liability on the basis of our estimates.
Changes in our warranty liability (included in other accrued liabilities) for fiscal 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Beginning accrued warranty
  $ 390     $ 693  
Provision for product warranties
    1,604       3,986  
Cost of warranty claims and settlements
    (1,301 )     (2,583 )
 
           
Ending accrued warranty
  $ 693     $ 2,096  
 
           

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Comprehensive Income
Our comprehensive income generally consists of net income plus the effect of unrealized gains and losses on our investments primarily due to reductions in market value of certain of our ARS investments and interest rate fluctuations on our fixed interest rate investments. In addition, we recognize the noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment in comprehensive income. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of our foreign entities. We recognize remeasurement adjustments in our consolidated statement of income.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. We consider the operating earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the United States. Accordingly, no provision has been made for the U.S. federal, state, or foreign taxes that may result from future remittances of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.
We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of highly complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We believe we have adequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes in connection with the resolution of income tax uncertainties. However, our results have in the past, and could in the future, include favorable and unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period a determination of such estimated tax liability is made or resolved, upon the filing of an amended return, upon a change in facts, circumstances, or interpretation, or upon the expiration of a statute of limitation. Accordingly, our effective tax rate could fluctuate materially from period to period.
Research and Development
We expense costs to develop our products, which include the costs incurred to design interface solutions for customers prior to the customers incorporating those solutions into their products.
Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share amounts for each period presented have been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.
Diluted net income per share amounts for each period presented have been computed (1) using the weighted average number of potentially dilutive shares issuable in connection with our share-based compensation plans under the treasury stock method, and (2) using the weighted average number of potentially dilutive shares issuable in connection with our convertible debt under the treasury stock method, when dilutive.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (“ASC”). ASC, which was launched on July 1, 2009, became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF), and related literature. ASC eliminates the GAAP hierarchy contained in SFAS No. 162 and establishes one level of authoritative U.S. GAAP. All other literature is considered non-authoritative. ASC was effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted ASC in our first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Effective the beginning of our fiscal 2010, we adopted the accounting standard on the fair value option for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In the third quarter of our fiscal 2010, we adopted the accounting standard on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to improving disclosures about fair value measurements. The accounting standard requires new disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Effective in our fiscal year 2012, we will have to adopt the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
2. Gain from Settlement of Debt and Impairment of Investment
Gain from Settlement of Debt
In fiscal 1998, we entered into agreements with National Semiconductor Corporation (“National”) with respect to the formation of a development-stage company, Foveonics, Inc. (subsequently known as Foveon, Inc. and referred to herein as Foveon), which was formed to develop and produce digital imaging products. We contributed technology for which we had no accounting basis for a 30% interest in Foveon in the form of voting convertible preferred stock. Under the agreements, we had the right to acquire additional shares of convertible preferred stock at a specified price in exchange for a limited-recourse loan from National. National loaned us $1.5 million under a non-recourse 6% interest bearing note, which we utilized to purchase 900,000 Series A preferred shares of Foveon, which increased our ownership interest in Foveon to 43%.
In fiscal 1998, we recorded our share of losses incurred by Foveon under the equity accounting method on the basis of our proportionate ownership of voting convertible preferred stock and reduced the carrying value of our equity investment to zero as our share of losses incurred by Foveon exceeded the carrying value of our investment. The $1.5 million note to National plus accrued interest of $1.2 million came due in August 2007, and, in accordance with the security agreement, we surrendered our 900,000 Series A preferred shares securing the note to National in full settlement of the principal and accrued interest. Consequently, we recognized a non-operating gain upon settlement of debt in the amount of $2.7 million in fiscal 2008.
Impairment of Investment
In fiscal 2005, we participated in an equity financing, receiving 3,943,217 shares of Foveon Series E preferred stock for a cash investment of $4.0 million. Our chairman and a former member of our board of directors were directors of Foveon. The Series E preferred shares were convertible into common shares on a one-for-one basis at any time at our option, upon a firm underwritten public offering of Foveon common stock of not less than $20 million at a price per share of not less than three times the original issue price, or upon the written agreement of the holders of at least 60% of the outstanding preferred shares voting as a single class. The Series E preferred shares were also entitled to a liquidation preference up to two times the original issue price over the earlier non-Series E preferred shares and common shares. We were not obligated to provide additional funding to Foveon. We accounted for our Series E preferred stock investment in Foveon under the cost method in accordance with the accounting standards because the investment is not “in-substance common stock.”
In fiscal 2007, Foveon completed a Series F preferred financing receiving net proceeds of $13.8 million. The Series F preferred shareholders are entitled to a liquidation preference over the earlier non-Series F preferred shares and common shares.
In September 2007, we determined there was an other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying value of our investment in Foveon, due to liquidity visibility and liquidation preferences for the most recent preferred equity round. Consequently, we recognized a $4.0 million other-than-temporary impairment charge included in impairment of investments, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In November 2008, Foveon was sold to an unrelated party, and we received no proceeds.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

3. Net Income Per Share
The computation of basic and diluted net income per share for fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Numerator:
                       
Net income
  $ 26,363     $ 48,079     $ 52,965  
 
                 
 
                       
Denominator:
                       
Shares, basic
    37,667       33,981       33,836  
Effect of dilutive share-based awards
    1,698       1,596       1,587  
 
                 
Shares, diluted
    39,365       35,577       35,423  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per share:
                       
Basic
  $ 0.70     $ 1.41     $ 1.57  
 
                 
Diluted
  $ 0.67     $ 1.35     $ 1.50  
 
                 
Diluted net income per share does not include the effect of share-based awards for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Share-based awards
    1,508       2,556       3,468  
 
                 
These share-based awards were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the proceeds received, if any, from such share-based awards combined with the average unamortized compensation costs adjusted for the hypothetical tax benefit or deficiency creditable or chargeable, respectively, to additional paid-in capital, were greater than the average market price of our common stock, and therefore, their effect would have been antidilutive.
Our basic net income per share amounts for each period presented have been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Our diluted net income per share amounts for each period presented include the weighted average effect of potentially dilutive shares. We used the “treasury stock” method to determine the dilutive effect of our stock options, DSUs, and convertible notes. Under the treasury stock method, shares associated with our convertible notes are included in the calculation of diluted net income per share only if the weighted average price of our common stock exceeds $33.69 during the reporting period.
4. Auction Rate Securities
Our ARS investments, which are included in non-current investments, have a par value of $40.7 million, and have failed to settle in auctions beginning in September 2007. These investments are not liquid, and in the event we need to access these funds, we will not be able to do so without a loss of principal, unless redeemed by the issuers or a future auction on these investments is successful. During fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, $1.3 million, $4.9 million, and $1.8 million, respectively, of our ARS investments were redeemed at par, and we recognized a gain of zero, $160,000, and $6,000, respectively, on the redemption of these investments, which is included in impairment of investments, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
As there are currently no active markets for our various failed ARS investments, we have estimated the fair value of these investments as of the end of fiscal 2010 based on a trinomial discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis considered, among others, the following factors:
   
the collateral underlying the security investments;
   
creditworthiness of the counterparty;
 
   
timing of expected future cash flows;
   
the probability of a successful auction in a future period;

 

F-16


Table of Contents

   
the underlying structure of each investment;
   
the present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at rates considered to reflect current market conditions;
   
consideration of the probabilities of default, passing a future auction, or redemption at par for each period; and
   
estimates of the recovery rates in the event of default for each investment.
When possible, our failed ARS investments were compared to other observable market data or securities with similar characteristics. Our estimate of the fair value of our ARS investments could change materially from period to period based on future market conditions.
Contractual maturities for our ARS investments are generally greater than five years, with fair value of $9.4 million maturing from 2015 to 2017, $8.9 million maturing from 2034 to 2045, and $9.7 million maturing thereafter or having no stated maturity. Of our ARS investments, $22.2 million are investment grade; and the remaining $18.5 million par value are below investment grade. In connection with our fair value analysis for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, we recorded a $7.0 million, $9.2, million and $443,000 other-than-temporary impairment charges.
In connection with our adoption of the accounting standard, as of April 1, 2009, we reclassified $2.4 million from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income to reflect the cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption to reclassify the noncredit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment.
The various types of failed ARS investments we held as of the end of fiscal 2010, including the original cost basis, other-than-temporary impairment included in other comprehensive income, other-than-temporary impairment included in retained earnings, new cost basis, unrealized gain, and fair value consisted of the following (in thousands):
                                                 
            Cumulative Other-than-                    
            temporary Impairment                    
            Included     Included                    
    Original     in Other     in     New              
    Cost     Comprehensive     Retained     Cost     Unrealized     Fair  
    Basis     Income     Earnings     Basis     Gain     Value  
Student loans
  $ 9,550     $ 617     $ 262     $ 8,671     $ 251     $ 8,922  
Closed end municipal and corporate funds
    10,650       1,112       93       9,445       293       9,738  
Credit linked notes
    13,500       156       8,765       4,579       2,952       7,531  
Preferred stock
    5,000             5,000                    
Municipals
    2,000       203       83       1,714       107       1,821  
 
                                   
Total ARS
  $ 40,700     $ 2,088     $ 14,203     $ 24,409     $ 3,603     $ 28,012  
 
                                   

 

F-17


Table of Contents

The various types of failed ARS investments we held as of the end of fiscal 2009, including the original cost basis, other-than-temporary impairment included in other comprehensive income, other-than-temporary impairment included in retained earnings, new cost basis, unrealized gain, and fair value consisted of the following (in thousands):
                                                 
            Cumulative Other-than-                    
            temporary Impairment                    
            Included     Included                    
    Original     in Other     in     New              
    Cost     Comprehensive     Retained     Cost     Unrealized     Fair  
    Basis     Income     Earnings     Basis     Gain     Value  
Student loans
  $ 9,900     $ 642     $ 262     $ 8,996     $ 239     $ 9,235  
Closed end municipal and corporate funds
    12,075       1,256       99       10,720       239       10,959  
Credit linked notes
    13,500       156       8,765       4,579       1,774       6,353  
Preferred stock
    5,000             4,551       449             449  
Municipals
    2,000       203       83       1,714       57       1,771  
 
                                   
Total ARS
  $ 42,475     $ 2,257     $ 13,760     $ 26,458     $ 2,309     $ 28,767  
 
                                   
We have accounted for all of our ARS investments as non-current as we are not able to reasonably determine when the ARS markets will recover or be restructured. Based on our ability to access our cash and other short-term investments, our expected operating cash flows, and our other sources of cash, we have the intent and ability to hold these investments until the value recovers or the investments mature. We will continue to monitor our ARS investments and evaluate our accounting for these investments quarterly. Subsequent to recording other-than-temporary impairment charges, certain of our ARS investments have increased in value above their new cost bases, and this increase is included as unrealized gain above and in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                     
    Life   2009     2010  
 
 
Land
    $ 2,500     $ 2,500  
Building and building improvements
  35 years     10,821       10,835  
Equipment, tooling and leasehold improvements
  1 year to 5 years     15,656       22,668  
Furniture
  3 years to 5 years     357       483  
Capitalized software
  3 years to 7 years     7,809       9,591  
 
               
 
        37,143       46,077  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
        (11,712 )     (20,256 )
 
               
Property and equipment, net
      $ 25,431     $ 25,821  
 
               
6. Leases, Other Commitments, and Contingencies
Leases
We maintain office facilities in various locations under operating leases with expiration dates from fiscal 2011 to 2014, some of which have renewal options of two to three years. Our leased office facilities are located in China, Finland, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United States. Total rent expense, recognized on a straight-line basis, was approximately $1.0 million, $2.4 million, and $3.4 million for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

The aggregate future minimum rental commitments as of the end of fiscal 2010 for noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands):
         
    Operating  
    Lease  
Fiscal Year   Payments  
2011
  $ 2,892  
2012
    2,319  
2013
    1,700  
2014
    485  
 
     
Total minimum operating lease payments
  $ 7,396  
 
     
Contingencies
We may receive notices from third parties that claim our products infringe their rights. From time to time, we receive notice from third parties alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. We cannot be certain that our technologies and products do not and will not infringe issued patents or other proprietary rights of third parties.
Any infringement claims, with or without merit, could result in significant litigation costs and diversion of management and financial resources, including the payment of damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In October 2008, we entered into a settlement and cross-license agreement with a competitor, which settled all disputes between the parties and granted each party irrevocable, non-transferable, non-assignable, non-exclusive, worldwide rights to certain patents over their remaining lives. The impact of the settlement was not material to our financial results and is not expected to have a material impact on our future results of operations or financial position.
Indemnifications
In connection with certain third-party agreements we have executed in the past, we are obligated to indemnify the third party in connection with any technology infringement by us. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors. Maximum potential future payments cannot be estimated because these agreements do not have a maximum stated liability. However, historical costs related to these indemnification provisions have not been significant. We have not recorded any liability in our consolidated financial statements for such indemnification obligations.
Line of Credit
We have an unsecured $40 million working capital line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank. The Wells Fargo Bank revolving line of credit, which expires on September 1, 2011, has an interest rate equal to the prime lending rate or 250 basis points above LIBOR, depending on whether we choose a variable or fixed rate, respectively. We did not borrow any amounts under the line of credit during fiscal 2010.
7. Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
In December 2004, we issued an aggregate of $125 million of Notes in a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In connection with issuing the Notes, we incurred debt issuance costs of $4.3 million, consisting primarily of the initial purchasers’ discount and costs related to legal, accounting, and printing. We used the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we repurchased and retired $59.7 million of our outstanding Notes at a discount of approximately 7%, which resulted in a $1.1 million net loss on retirement of debt after deducting the associated unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. In December 2009, we repurchased and retired $63.0 million par value of our Notes when investors exercised their rights to require us to repurchase their Notes. Accordingly, as of the end of fiscal 2010, $2.3 million par value of our Notes remained outstanding and have been classified as long-term as the next date Noteholders can require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes is beyond one year.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Interest expense includes the amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs. For fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, we recorded interest expense of $9.8 million, $7.1 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, on the Notes. As of December 31, 2009, the discount and debt issuance costs were fully amortized, and as of the end of fiscal 2010, the if converted value of the Notes did not exceed the principal amount of the Notes.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted the accounting standard on convertible debt that can be settled in cash. The adoption of this accounting standard, which must be applied on a retrospective basis, results in a non-cash interest charge for all periods presented in our financial statements during which the Notes were outstanding. This standard requires issuers of convertible notes that can be settled in cash to separately account for the liability and equity components of such convertible notes in a manner that reflects the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. Prior to the application of the standard, the liability of the Notes was carried at their par value, and only the contractual interest and amortization of debt issuance costs were recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of income.
Upon adoption of the new standard, and effective as of the issuance date of the Notes, we recorded $39.4 million of the principal amount to equity, representing the debt discount for the difference between our estimated nonconvertible debt borrowing rate of 8.5% at the time of issuance and the 0.75% coupon rate of the Notes using a five-year life, which coincides with the initial put rights of the Noteholders. In addition, we allocated the $4.3 million of debt issuance costs pro-rata to the equity and debt components of the Notes, or $1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The debt discount and the debt issuance costs allocated to the debt component were amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over five years and were fully amortized as of December 31, 2009.
The liability and equity components of the Notes as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Principal amount of outstanding Notes
  $ 65,303     $ 2,305  
Unamortized discount
    2,069        
 
           
Liability component of outstanding Notes, net
  $ 63,234     $ 2,305  
 
           
 
               
Equity component of outstanding Notes
  $ 20,591     $ 727  
The contractual interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount for the Notes for fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
 
                       
Interest expense
  $ 962     $ 661     $ 213  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    578       368       118  
Amortization of discount
    8,222       6,024       2,069  
 
                 
Total interest
  $ 9,762     $ 7,053     $ 2,400  
 
                 

 

F-20


Table of Contents

Impact of Retrospective Application of New Accounting Standard
The retrospective application of the accounting standard resulted in adjustments to our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2009 as follows (in thousands):
                         
            Accounting        
    As     Standard     As  
    Reported     Impact     Revised  
Other assets
  $ 25,343     $ (71 )   $ 25,272  
Total assets
    376,221       (71 )     376,150  
Current deferred tax liabilities
    9,419       806       10,225  
Notes payable
    65,303       (2,069 )     63,234  
Total current liabilities
    136,323       (1,263 )     135,060  
Additional paid in capital
    270,962       22,704       293,666  
Retained earnings
    187,666       (21,512 )     166,154  
Total stockholders’ equity
    221,414       1,192       222,606  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
    376,221       (71 )     376,150  
The retrospective application of the accounting standard resulted in adjustments to our consolidated statements of income, and basic and diluted net income per share for fiscal 2008 and 2009 as follows (in thousands, except per share and effective tax rate data):
                                                 
    2008     2009  
            Accounting                     Accounting        
    As     Standard     As     As     Standard     As  
    Reported     Impact     Revised     Reported     Impact     Revised  
Interest expense
  $ (1,822 )   $ (7,940 )   $ (9,762 )   $ (1,238 )   $ (5,815 )   $ (7,053 )
Gain/(Loss) on early retirement of debt
                      3,600       (4,653 )     (1,053 )
Provision for taxes
    (17,688 )     3,203       (14,485 )     (11,486 )     4,223       (7,263 )
Net income
    31,100       (4,737 )     26,363       54,324       (6,245 )     48,079  
 
                                               
Net income per share:
                                               
Basic
  $ 0.83     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.70     $ 1.60     $ (0.19 )   $ 1.41  
Diluted
  $ 0.79     $ (0.12 )   $ 0.67     $ 1.53     $ (0.18 )   $ 1.35  
The retrospective application of the accounting standard resulted in adjustments to our consolidated statements of cash flows for fiscal 2008 and 2009 as follows (in thousands):
                                                 
    2008     2009  
            Accounting                     Accounting        
    As     Standard     As     As     Standard     As  
    Reported     Impact     Revised     Reported     Impact     Revised  
Net income
  $ 31,100     $ (4,737 )   $ 26,363     $ 54,324     $ (6,245 )   $ 48,079  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    860       (282 )     578       577       (209 )     368  
Deferred income taxes
    597       (3,203 )     (2,606 )     (9,693 )     (4,223 )     (13,916 )
Amortization of debt discount
          8,222       8,222             6,024       6,024  
8. Stockholders’ Equity
We have a Stockholders’ Rights Plan that may have the effect of deterring, delaying, or preventing a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. In general, stock purchase rights issued under the plan become exercisable when a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock or when a tender offer or exchange offer for 15% or more of our common stock is announced or commenced. After any such event, our other stockholders may purchase additional shares of our common stock at 50% of the then-current market price. The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors. The rights should not interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by our board of directors. The rights expire in August 2012.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Preferred Stock
We are authorized, subject to limitations imposed by Delaware law, to issue up to a total of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the power to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the rights, preferences, and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued series and any of its qualifications, limitations, or restrictions. Our board of directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of a series, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.
Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company and might harm the market price of our common stock and the voting power and other rights of the holders of common stock. As of the end of fiscal 2010, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding and we have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
Shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of the end of fiscal 2010 were as follows:
         
Stock options outstanding
    7,748,570  
Deferred stock units outstanding
    821,146  
Awards available for grant under all share-based award plans
    5,761,516  
 
     
Reserved for future issuance
    14,331,232  
 
     
Treasury Stock
In April 2010, our board of directors approved an additional $100 million for the stock repurchase program, expiring in April 2012, bringing the cumulative authorization to $420 million. The program authorizes us to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending upon market conditions and other factors. The number of shares repurchased and the timing of repurchases is based on the level of our cash balances, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities. Common stock repurchased under this program is held as treasury stock. As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had $138.1 million remaining under our common stock repurchase program, which expires in April 2012.
9. Share-Based Compensation
The purpose of our various share-based compensation plans is to attract, motivate, retain, and reward high-quality employees, directors, and consultants by enabling such persons to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in our common stock in order to strengthen the mutuality of interests between such persons and our stockholders and to provide such persons with annual and long-term performance incentives to focus their best efforts in the creation of stockholder value. Consequently, we determine share-based compensatory awards issued subsequent to the initial award to our employees and consultants primarily on individual performance. Our share-based compensation plans with outstanding awards consist of our 1996 Stock Option Plan, our 2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, our 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, and our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.
Adjustments to Share-based Compensation Expense
During the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and in connection with an upgrade of the third-party equity accounting software we use to determine share-based compensation expense, we discovered a calculation error that affected our previously reported share-based compensation expense. The previous software version incorrectly applied a weighted average forfeiture rate to each vest date through the final vest date of each share-based award after which any shortfall in expense was trued up, rather than true up any shortfall in expense on each vest date of each share-based award.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

The impact of this incorrect calculation method to our share-based compensation expense was to defer a portion of the expense recognition until the final vest date, which resulted in an overstatement of net income of $569,000, $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $165,000 for fiscal 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively, and $74,000 for the quarter ended September 2009.
To correct the error, the financial statements for the three-month period ended December 31, 2009 included a cumulative adjustment reducing net income by $3.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share. The tax benefit associated with the adjustment was $1.4 million and included tax benefit from DSUs and non-qualified stock options, and no tax benefit from stock compensation expense for qualified stock options. We reviewed the financial statement impact of this error and concluded the impact is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements of prior reporting periods and fiscal 2010.
As noted above, we determined the cumulative error from the understatement of share-based compensation expense related to prior periods was $3.1 million after tax. The additional expense reported for fiscal 2010 was $267,000 for cost of revenue, $1.5 million for research and development, and $2.7 million for selling, general, and administrative, partially offset by $1.4 million of additional tax benefit.
Share-based compensation awards available for grant or issuance for each plan as of the beginning of the fiscal year, including changes in the balance of awards available for grant for fiscal 2010, were as follows:
                                 
    Awards                    
    Available     2000     2001     Employee  
    Under All     Nonstatutory     Incentive     Stock  
    Share-Based     Stock Option     Compensation     Purchase  
    Award Plans     Plan     Plan     Plan  
Balance at June 2009
    5,987,562       56,376       4,774,056       1,157,130  
Additional shares authorized
    2,039,027             2,039,027        
Stock options granted
    (1,646,825 )           (1,646,825 )      
Deferred stock units granted
    (430,148 )           (430,148 )      
Purchases under employee stock purchase plan
    (301,215 )                 (301,215 )
Forfeited
    113,115             113,115        
 
                       
Balance at June 2010
    5,761,516       56,376       4,849,225       855,915  
 
                       
Our 1996 Stock Option Plan (“1996 Plan”) expired in December 2006. Accordingly, no new grants can be issued under the 1996 Plan. Option awards that are currently outstanding under the 1996 Plan will remain outstanding until exercised, forfeited, or cancelled under the terms of the option grant agreements. Our 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, and our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, will expire in March 2011 and December 2011, respectively.
Share-based compensation and the related tax benefit recognized in our consolidated statement of income for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Cost of revenue
  $ 1,102     $ 1,680     $ 2,307  
Research and development
    6,321       8,897       14,330  
Selling, general, and administrative
    10,080       13,843       18,739  
 
                 
Total
  $ 17,503     $ 24,420     $ 35,376  
 
                 
 
                       
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation
  $ 6,114     $ 7,972     $ 9,642  
 
                 

 

F-23


Table of Contents

We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of certain employee share-based compensatory awards, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected volatility and expected life. Historical and implied volatilities were used in estimating the fair value of our share-based awards, while the expected life of our options was estimated based on historical trends since our initial public offering. Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measure of estimated fair value of our share-based awards. Further, as required under accounting standards, we estimate forfeitures for share-based awards that are not expected to vest. We charge the estimated fair value less estimated forfeitures to earnings on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the underlying awards, which is generally four years for our stock option and DSU awards and up to two years for our employee stock purchase plan. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options having no vesting restrictions and being fully transferable. As our stock option and employee stock purchase plan awards have characteristics that differ significantly from traded options and, as changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, our estimate of fair value may not accurately represent the value assigned by a third party in an arms’-length transaction. While our estimate of fair value and the associated charge to earnings materially affects our results of operations, it has no impact on our cash position.
In accordance with the accounting standards, we recognize tax benefit upon expensing certain share-based awards associated with our share-based compensation plans, including nonqualified stock options and DSU awards, but under current accounting standards we cannot recognize tax benefit concurrent with the recognition of share-based compensation expenses associated with incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares (qualified stock options). For qualified stock options that vested after our adoption of the accounting standards, we recognize tax benefit only in the period when disqualifying dispositions of the underlying stock occur, which historically has been up to several years after vesting and in a period when our stock price substantially increases. For qualified stock options that vested prior to our adoption of the accounting standards, the tax benefit is recorded directly to additional paid-in capital.
We determine excess tax benefit using the long-haul method in which we compare the actual tax benefit associated with the tax deduction from share-based award activity to the hypothetical tax benefit on the grant date fair values of the corresponding share-based awards. Tax benefit associated with excess tax deduction creditable to additional paid-in capital is not recognized until the deduction reduces taxes payable. During fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, we recognized $0.3 million, $9.4 million, and $7.1 million, respectively, of tax benefit as additional paid-in capital.
Historically, we have issued new shares in connection with our share-based compensation plans; however, treasury shares were also available for issuance as of the end of fiscal 2010. Any additional shares repurchased under our common stock repurchase program would be available for issuance under our share-based compensation plans.
Stock Options
Our share-based compensation plans with outstanding stock option awards include our 1996 Stock Option Plan, our 2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, and our 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (the “Plans”). Under the Plans, we may grant employees, consultants, and directors incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock at not less than 100% or 85% of the fair market value, respectively, on the date of grant. Stock options granted to our employees generally are incentive stock options or qualified options under the Internal Revenue Code, subject to calendar year vesting limitations with any balance being nonqualified stock options.
Options issued under the Plans generally vest 25% at the end of 12 months from the vesting commencement date and approximately 2% each month thereafter until fully vested at the end of 48 months from the vesting commencement date. Options not exercised ten years after the date of grant are cancelled.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Stock option activity and weighted average exercise prices for stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, and expired for fiscal 2010 and the balance of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of the end of fiscal 2010 were as follows:
                 
    Stock     Weighted  
    Option     Average  
    Awards     Exercise  
    Outstanding     Price  
Balance at June 2009
    6,770,312     $ 20.86  
Granted
    1,646,825       26.66  
Exercised
    (604,242 )     15.67  
Forfeited
    (64,325 )     28.86  
 
             
Balance at June 2010
    7,748,570       22.43  
 
             
Exercisable at June 2010
    4,211,045     $ 19.17  
 
             
As of the end of fiscal 2010, the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise prices, the weighted average exercise prices, and the intrinsic value and for options outstanding the weighted average remaining contractual life were as follows:
                                                             
        Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
                Weighted                                    
                Average     Weighted                     Weighted        
                Remaining     Average     Intrinsic             Average     Intrinsic  
Range of     Number     Contractual     Exercise     Value     Number     Exercise     Value  
Exercise Prices     Outstanding     Term     Price     (in thousands)     Exercisable     Price     (in thousands)  
$1.67 - $13.55       807,778       3.07     $ 8.01     $ 16,374       807,778     $ 8.01     $ 16,374  
$14.02 - $15.51       835,120       5.79       14.52       11,491       810,520       14.51       11,161  
$15.55 - $19.40       853,137       7.46       17.76       8,975       499,769       17.65       5,313  
$19.63 - $20.47       776,971       5.35       20.13       6,332       729,451       20.16       5,923  
$21.92 - $24.33       1,147,060       8.48       23.35       5,655       338,998       22.80       1,858  
$25.50 - $26.17       1,090,250       8.44       25.71       2,802       209,564       26.17       442  
$26.28 - $28.83       874,555       7.96       26.87       1,233       317,868       26.56       547  
$31.76 - $34.01       1,151,680       8.34       32.97             370,018       33.51        
$35.99       75,000       8.12       35.99             34,374       35.99        
$39.51       137,019       7.17       39.51             92,705       39.51        
                                                     
          7,748,570       7.09       22.43     $ 52,862       4,211,045       19.17     $ 41,618  
                                                     
The aggregate intrinsic value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2010, or June 25, 2010, of $28.28 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money.
At the end of fiscal 2010, we estimated fully vested options and options expected to vest to be 7.5 million with an aggregate intrinsic value of $52.2 million, having a weighted average exercise price of $22.28 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of seven years. The weighted average remaining contractual term for the options exercisable is approximately six years.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

Cash received and the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Cash received
  $ 23,550     $ 13,305     $ 9,469  
Aggregate intrinsic value
  $ 49,272     $ 17,548     $ 8,306  
The fair value of each award granted from our Plans for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming no expected dividends and the following range of assumptions:
             
    2008   2009   2010
Expected volatility
  49.5% - 60.4%   56.9% - 65.4%   44.2% - 62.2%
Expected life in years
  4.4 - 5.0   4.5 - 4.7   4.7 - 5.1
Risk-free interest rate
  2.8% - 4.6%   1.7% - 3.2%   1.9% - 2.7%
Fair value per award
  $8.04 - $19.28   $10.06 - $17.32   $12.19 - $13.58
The expected volatility is based on historical and implied volatilities; the expected life is based on historical option exercise trends; and the risk free interest rate is based on U. S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant for the expected life of the option.
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for stock options granted under the Plans were approximately $37.7 million as of the end of fiscal 2010 to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.
Deferred Stock Units
Our 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (“2001 Plan”) provides for the grant of DSU awards to our employees, consultants, and directors. A DSU is a promise to deliver shares of our common stock at a future date in accordance with the terms of the DSU grant agreement. We began granting DSUs in January 2006.
DSUs granted under the 2001 Plan generally vest 25% one year from the vesting commencement date and at a rate of approximately 6% each quarter thereafter until fully vested four years from the vesting commencement date. Delivery of shares under the plan takes place on the quarterly vesting dates. At the delivery date, we withhold shares to cover statutory minimum tax withholding by delivering a net number of shares. Until delivery of shares, the grantee has no rights as a stockholder.
An election to defer delivery of the underlying shares for unvested DSUs can be made by the grantee provided the deferral election is made at least one year before vesting and the deferral period is at least five years from the scheduled delivery date.
DSU activity, including DSUs granted, delivered, and forfeited in fiscal 2010, and the balance and aggregate intrinsic value of DSUs as of the end of fiscal 2010 were as follows:
                         
    Deferred     Aggregate     Weighted  
    Stock Unit     Intrinsic     Average  
    Awards     Value     Grant Date  
    Outstanding     (in thousands)     Fair Value  
Balance at June 30, 2009
    738,258             $ 26.78  
Granted
    430,148               26.64  
Delivered
    (298,470 )             25.92  
Forfeited
    (48,790 )             28.03  
 
                     
Balance at June 30, 2010
    821,146     $ 23,222       26.92  
 
                     
Of the shares delivered, 91,104 shares valued at $2.4 million were withheld to meet statutory minimum tax withholding requirements. The aggregate intrinsic value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2010, or June 25, 2010, of $28.28.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for DSUs granted under the 2001 Plan were approximately $17.8 million as of the end of fiscal 2010, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years. The aggregate market value of DSUs delivered in fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 was $2.7 million, $6.1 million, and $7.7 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) became effective on January 29, 2002, the effective date of the registration statement for our initial public offering. The ESPP allows employees to designate up to 15% of their base compensation, subject to legal restrictions and limitations, to purchase shares of common stock at 85% of the lesser of the fair market value (“FMV”) at the beginning of the offering period or the exercise date. The offering period extends for up to two years and includes four exercise dates occurring at six month intervals. Under the terms of the ESPP, if the FMV at an exercise date is less than the FMV at the beginning of the offering period, the current offering period will terminate and a new two-year offering period will commence.
Shares purchased, weighted average purchase price, cash received, and the aggregate intrinsic value for ESPP purchases fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 were as follows (in thousands, except for shares purchased and weighted average purchase price):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Shares purchased
    58,392       185,604       301,215  
Weighted average purchase price
  $ 20.81     $ 16.84     $ 15.15  
Cash received
  $ 1,214     $ 3,122     $ 4,562  
Aggregate intrinsic value
  $ 387     $ 592     $ 5,901  
In accordance with accounting standards related to the accounting for employee stock purchase plans with a look-back option, the early termination of an offering period followed by the commencement of a new offering period represents a modification to the terms of the related awards. Under the terms of our ESPP, the offering period that commenced on July 1, 2007 was terminated on December 31, 2008 and a new offering period commenced on January 1, 2009. The December 31, 2008 modification affected approximately 275 employees. The modification resulted in incremental compensation costs, which are not material and which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the two-year period ending December 31, 2010.
The fair value of each award granted under our ESPP for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming no expected dividends and the following range of assumptions:
             
    2008   2009   2010
Expected volatility
  37.1% - 58.7%   53.3% - 73.0%   56.6% - 63.2%
Expected life in years
  0.5 - 2.0   0.5 - 2.0   0.5 - 2.0
Risk-free interest rate
  3.0% - 5.0%   0.3% - 2.4%   0.2% - 1.1%
Fair value per award
  $6.51 - $9.97   $6.01 - $10.44   $10.05 - $18.81
The expected volatility is based on either implied volatility or a weighting of implied and historical volatility; the expected life is based on each period that begins with the enrollment date until each purchase date remaining in the offering period at the date of enrollment in the plan; and the risk free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields or yield curve in effect for each expected life.
Unrecognized share-based compensation costs for awards granted under our ESPP at the end of fiscal 2010 were approximately $1.5 million to be amortized over the next six months.
10. Employee Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
We have a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for full-time employees. Under the plan, eligible employees may contribute a maximum of 30% of their net compensation or the annual limit of $16,500. The annual limit for employees who are 50 years or older is $22,000. In fiscal 2010, we provided matching funds of 25% of the employee’s contribution up to a maximum of $4,125 per employee. We made matching contributions of $603,000, $783,000, and $943,000 in fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

11. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
U.S.
  $ 7,696     $ (13,469 )   $ (16,077 )
Foreign
    33,152       68,811       76,334  
 
                 
Income before provision for income taxes
  $ 40,848     $ 55,342     $ 60,257  
 
                 
The provision for income taxes for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Current tax expense
                       
Federal
  $ 11,094     $ 13,170     $ 4,101  
State
    568       1,200       453  
Foreign
    5,429       6,809       9,272  
 
                 
 
    17,091       21,179       13,826  
 
                 
 
                       
Deferred tax expense
                       
Federal
    (1,294 )     (11,927 )     (9,058 )
State
    (1,312 )     (1,980 )     2,619  
Foreign
          (9 )     (95 )
 
                 
 
    (2,606 )     (13,916 )     (6,534 )
 
                 
 
                       
Provision for income taxes
  $ 14,485     $ 7,263     $ 7,292  
 
                 
The provision for income taxes differs from the federal statutory rate for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 as follows (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Provision at U.S. federal statutory rate
  $ 14,297     $ 19,370     $ 21,088  
State income taxes
    1,150       550       2,650  
Qualified stock options
    875       1,700       2,474  
Business credits
    (1,935 )     (2,749 )     (846 )
Foreign tax differential
    (1,907 )     (13,957 )     (16,994 )
Tax exempt interest
    (1,307 )     (479 )     (106 )
Change in valuation allowance
    4,362       3,237       155  
Tax benefit from NOL carryback
                (1,804 )
Other differences
    (1,050 )     (409 )     675  
 
                 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 14,485     $ 7,263     $ 7,292  
 
                 
We recorded tax benefit of $1.8 million from the carryback of a prior year net operating loss, which represents a revision of tax benefits generated in fiscal 2008 and 2009 of $960,000 and $855,000, respectively. We determined that the impact of the adjustment was not material to our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2008, 2009, or 2010.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Current deferred tax assets
  $ 138     $ 1,387  
Current deferred tax liabilities
    (10,225 )   $  
Non-current deferred tax assets
    17,544       12,604  
 
           
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 7,457     $ 13,991  
 
           
Current deferred tax assets, non-current deferred tax assets, and non-current deferred tax liabilities are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, and other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Significant components of our deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
Deferred tax assets:
               
 
               
Investment writedowns
  $ 7,146     $ 7,375  
Capital Loss carryforward
    2,708       2,094  
Inventory writedowns
    154       246  
Depreciation and amortization
    731       1,433  
Accrued compensation
    751       980  
Share-based compensation
    8,214       14,146  
Business credit carryforward
    7,545       9,990  
Other accruals
    469       451  
 
           
 
    27,718       36,715  
Valuation allowance
    (9,854 )     (14,058 )
 
           
 
    17,864       22,657  
 
           
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Interest deduction
    (10,407 )     (8,666 )
 
           
 
    (10,407 )     (8,666 )
 
           
 
               
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 7,457     $ 13,991  
 
           
Realization of deferred tax assets depends on our generating sufficient U.S. and certain foreign taxable income in future years to obtain benefit from the reversal of deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable may increase or decrease when we reevaluate the underlying basis for our estimates of future U.S. and foreign taxable income. As of the end of fiscal 2010, a valuation allowance of $14.1 million had been established to reduce deferred tax assets to levels that we believe are more than likely than not to be realized through future taxable income. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we established a valuation allowance of $2.6 million against certain state deferred tax assets since we determined these assets were no longer realizable on a more likely than not basis.
Undistributed operating earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were approximately $220 million as of the end of fiscal 2010 and are considered to be indefinitely reinvested overseas, and no U.S. income taxes have been provided for on these earnings. The potential deferred tax liability associated with undistributed operating earnings of our foreign subsidiaries was approximately $56 million.
As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $34 million. The state net operating loss carryforwards were attributable to share-based award deductions. The benefit of these net operating losses will be recorded directly to additional-paid-in capital when realized. In addition, we had $5.1 million and $4.9 million of federal and state tax credit carryforwards, respectively. The federal tax credit carryforward begins to expire in 2027 and the state tax credit can be carried forward indefinitely. We also had $1.7 million of federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforward available to offset future Federal tax liabilities with no expiration.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Under the current tax law, net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards available to offset future income or income taxes may be limited by statute or upon the occurrence of certain events, including significant changes in ownership. The state net operating loss will begin to expire in fiscal 2017, if not utilized. The federal and state capital losses begin to expire in fiscal 2013.
The total liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2009 was $18.0 million. The liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits increased approximately $1.0 million during fiscal 2010 to $19.0 million. All of this amount would affect the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations, if recognized. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits consisted of the following (in millions):
         
Balance as of June 2009
  $ 18.0  
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to prior year tax positions
    0.3  
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to current year tax positions
    2.1  
Decrease due to statue expiration
    (1.4 )
 
     
Balance as of June 2010
  $ 19.0  
 
     
The total interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as of the end of fiscal 2009 was $1.0 million. The liability for gross interest expense and penalties were increased by $0.2 million to $1.2 million as of the end of fiscal 2010. Our policy to classify interest and penalties, if any, as components of income tax expense did not change.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next 12 months and an estimate of the range of possible changes cannot be made at this time due to the high uncertainty of the resolution of our tax positions with the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Accordingly, the unrecognized tax benefits from prior year tax positions that may be necessary to accrue or deaccrue for in fiscal 2011 cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
Our major tax jurisdictions are the United States, California, and Hong Kong SAR and fiscal 2003 onward remain subject to examination by these jurisdictions.
12. Segment, Customers, and Geographic Information
We operate in one segment: the development, marketing, and sale of interactive user interface solutions for electronic devices and products. We generate our revenue from two broad product categories: the PC market and digital lifestyle product markets. The PC market accounted for 76%, 57%, and 59% of our net revenue for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively.
Net revenue within geographic areas based on our customers’ locations for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
China
  $ 235,749     $ 307,813     $ 389,499  
Taiwan
    55,575       46,899       56,096  
Korea
    38,917       70,661       32,496  
Japan
    18,342       35,811       35,838  
United States
    996       3,531       430  
Other
    11,478       8,587       531  
 
                 
 
  $ 361,057     $ 473,302     $ 514,890  
 
                 

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Long-lived assets within geographic areas as of the end of fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    2009     2010  
United States
  $ 20,625     $ 19,887  
Asia/Pacific
    4,806       5,934  
 
           
 
  $ 25,431     $ 25,821  
 
           
Our goodwill of $1.9 million represents a corporate asset arising primarily from an acquisition of an Asian subsidiary in a prior year.
Major customers as a percentage of net revenue for fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 were as follows:
                         
    2008     2009     2010  
Customer A
    *       14 %     *  
Customer B
    *       11 %     *  
Customer C
    10 %     *       11 %
Customer D
    *       *       10 %
 
     
*  
Less than 10%
13. Subsequent Events
We have evaluated all events or transactions that occurred subsequent to fiscal 2010 through the date of filing this report and determined there were no material recognizable subsequent events.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
 
  3.1    
Certificate of Incorporation (1)
  3.1 (b)  
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (2)
  3.2    
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (amended and restated as of July 27, 2010) (3)
  3.3    
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (4)
  4    
Form of Common Stock Certificate (5)
  4 (b)  
Rights Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2002, between the registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (2)
  4 (c)  
Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement (6)
  4.6    
Form of Indenture (14)
  10.3 (a)  
1996 Stock Option Plan (7)
  10.3 (b)  
Form of grant agreements for 1996 Stock Option Plan (5)
  10.5    
2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and form of grant agreement (7)
  10.6 (a)  
Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended through January 23, 2007) (8)
  10.6 (b)  
Form of grant agreements for Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (9)
  10.6 (c)  
Form of deferred stock award agreement for Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan (10)
  10.7 (a)  
Corrected Amended and Restated 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended through January 23, 2007) (8)
  10.8    
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (7)
  10.14    
Form of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement between the registrant and Francis F. Lee (7)
  10.15    
Form of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement between the registrant and Russell J. Knittel (7)
  10.17    
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with the following directors and executive officers as of January 28, 2002 with Francis F. Lee, Russell J. Knittel, Keith B. Geeslin, and Richard L. Sanquini; as of June 26, 2004 with Jeffrey D. Buchanan; as of March 28, 2006 with Thomas J. Tiernan; as of September 25, 2006; with Hing Chung (Alex) Wong; as of February 20, 2007 with Nelson C. Chan; as of April 2, 2007 with Mark N. Vena; as of October 23, 2007 with James L. Whims; as of January 7, 2008 with David B. Long and Joseph D. Montalbo; and as of March 2, 2009 with Kathleen A. Bayless (1)
  10.18    
Severance Policy for Principal Executive Officers (11)
  10.20    
Form of Change of Control and Severance Agreement entered into by Russell J. Knittel as of April 22, 2003 (11)
  10.22    
Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2005 by and among the registrant, Alps Electric Co. Ltd., and Cirque Corporation (12) *
  10.23    
Change of Control Severance Agreement entered into by Thomas Tiernan as of April 3, 2006 (13)
  21    
List of Subsidiaries
  23.1    
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
  32.1    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
  32.2    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

56


Table of Contents

 
     
(1)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2001, as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2002.
 
(2)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on August 16, 2002.
 
(3)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2010.
 
(4)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 7, 2004.
 
(5)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2002, as filed with the SEC on September 12, 2002.
 
(6)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2008.
 
(7)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-56026) as filed with the SEC August 17, 2001 and declared effective January 28, 2002.
 
(8)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007, as filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007.
 
(9)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 28, 2002, as filed with SEC on February 6, 2003.
 
(10)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2006, as filed with the SEC on September 7, 2006.
 
(11)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2003, as filed with the SEC on September 12, 2003.
 
(12)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2005.
 
(13)  
Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 3, 2006. Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.333-155582) as filed with the SEC November 21, 2008 and declared effective May 7, 2009.
 
*  
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request that was granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

57

Exhibit 21
Exhibit 21
List of Subsidiaries
     
    STATE OR JURISDICTION
NAME   OF ORGANIZATION
Synaptics International, Inc.
  California
     
Synaptics (UK) Limited   United Kingdom
     
Synaptics Hong Kong Limited   Hong Kong
     
Synaptics Europe Sarl   Switzerland
     
Synaptics Holding GmbH   Switzerland
     
Synaptics LLC   Delaware
     
Synaptics Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited   China
     
Synaptics Japan (K.K.) Limited   Japan
     
Synaptics CanHK Limited   Hong Kong

 

 

Exhibit 23.1
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Synaptics Incorporated:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-81820, 333-82288, 333-82286, 333-82282, 333-99529, 333-99531, 333-146145 and 333-146146) on Form S-8, (No. 333-115274) on Form S-4, and (Nos. 333-122348 and 333-155582) on Form S-3 of Synaptics Incorporated of our reports dated August 23, 2010, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Synaptics Incorporated as of June 27, 2009 and June 26, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 26, 2010, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 26, 2010, which reports appear in the June 26, 2010 annual report on Form 10-K of Synaptics Incorporated.
Our report dated August 23, 2010 includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the retrospective adoption of the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 14-1 (included in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options), Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), for all periods presented herein. Also, as discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Synaptics Incorporated and subsidiaries’ adopted the provisions of FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (included in FASB ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities), during fiscal 2009.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
August 23, 2010

 

 

Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
I, Thomas J. Tiernan, certify that:
1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Synaptics Incorporated;
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 23, 2010
         
  /s/ Thomas J. Tiernan    
  Thomas J. Tiernan   
  Chief Executive Officer   
 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
I, Kathleen A. Bayless, certify that:
1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Synaptics Incorporated;
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 23, 2010
         
  /s/ Kathleen A. Bayless    
  Kathleen A. Bayless   
  Chief Financial Officer   
 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Synaptics Incorporated (the “Company”) for the year ended June 26, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas J. Tiernan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)  
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and
 
  (2)  
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
  /s/ Thomas J. Tiernan    
  Thomas J. Tiernan   
  Chief Executive Officer
August 23, 2010 
 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2
Exhibit 32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Synaptics Incorporated (the “Company”) for the year ended June 26, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kathleen A. Bayless, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)  
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and
 
  (2)  
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
  /s/ Kathleen A. Bayless    
  Kathleen A. Bayless   
  Chief Financial Officer
August 23, 2010 
 

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This website contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements may include words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "target," "strategy," "continue," "may," "will," "should," variations of such words, or other words and terms of similar meaning. All forward-looking statements reflect our best judgment and are based on several factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risks as identified in the "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business" sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our most recent fiscal year, and other risks as identified from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we do not have, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly release any updates or any changes in our expectations, or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations that had not been completed as of the date of this filing.